Barnsley's Metrodome gets £400k in Sport England support

Sport England said the cash would help pools which have faced difficulties due to rising costs

Barnsley's Metrodome has secured £400,000 in funding to help with the increasing costs of running its swimming pools.

The amount is believed to be the highest single grant awarded from Sport England's Swimming Pool Support Fund.

The council had made a joint bid to the fund with Metrodome operator Barnsley Premier Leisure.

It said the grant would safeguard the future of the Metrodome's pools which were a "crucial community asset".

James Higginbotton, the council's spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said it was "fantastic" to get the cash.

"Swimming pools are a crucial community asset which help contribute to physical activity participation rates, as well as improving physical and mental health and wellbeing.

"It's essential they remain open and affordable."

'Long-term viability'

Sport England's Lisa Dodd-Mayne said swimming pools were vital to the nation's activity levels.

"Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators battle the challenge of increased energy and maintenance costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff."

Ms Dodd-Mayne added they were continuing "to work with our partners to ensure the long-term viability of these vital community resources".

The £63m Swimming Pool Support Fund was announced in the government's Spring Budget.

Phase one funding was earmarked for pools and leisure centres most at risk of closure or a significant service reduction.

The cash was intended to address the impact of rising energy costs on those operating pools.

A second phase of funding will offer support for improvements in energy efficiency aimed at helping pools become more sustainable.

The council also made a bid for that funding, but had not yet heard if it had been successful, it said.