Suffolk swimming pools to benefit from hundreds of thousands of pounds of funding
It will be used to improve energy efficiency and to keep running costs down
Nearly £600,000 is being invested into swimming pools in Suffolk.
The money's coming from the Government and Sport England and will be used to improve their energy efficiency and to keep running costs down.
The works will include replacing gas boilers, installing new pool covers and fixing the flow of showers.
Across the country, over 300 public pools will receive a share of £60 million of funding.
It's part of efforts to get 3.5 million more people active by 2030.
Which pools in Suffolk are getting funding?
Beccles Lido will get £102,519.
Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre will get £35,000.
Fore Street Pool, Ipswich, will get £167,900.
Hadleigh Pool and Leisure will get £103,500.
Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre will get £180,000.
"Active people are fitter, happier and healthier"
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “We are sticking to our plan to get millions more people active by 2030, because we know that active people are fitter, happier and healthier.
“Millions of people swim every year in England, but increased energy costs mean some pools are struggling financially.
“This further £60 million of support from the Government and Sport England will ensure hundreds of swimming pools can lower their operating costs in the long run, and continue to provide an important service for communities across the country.”
Former Team GB Swimmer Michael Gunning said: “Our pools are a hub for the entire community and I’ve seen first-hand the importance of increasing access to aquatics for people of all ages.
“The pandemic was a tough time for all of us, but this investment will mean many more people from all backgrounds will have the chance to use their local pool. Whether it’s learning a vital skill, bringing families together to have fun, or using the water to improve your physical and mental health – swimming pools save lives.”
"So they remain available for future generations to enjoy”
Sport England Executive Director for Place Lisa Dodd-Mayne said: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.
“Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.
“Sport England is proud of the role we’ve played in supporting these facilities through this difficult period. We hope today’s funding announcement will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable so they remain available for future generations to enjoy.”