Leisure centres across Lincolnshire including Grantham Meres to benefit from share of £60 million Government and Sport England cash

Swimming pools across the county are set to benefit from energy-saving measures.

The Government and Sport England has today (Saturday, March 23) announced that 325 swimming pools and leisure centres will receive a share of £60.5 million to ensure their long term financial sustainability as part of the latest Swimming Pool Support Fund investment.

Across Lincolnshire:

• Grantham Meres will receive £399,000 for solar panels with a further £46,725 for pool covers to keep the heat in and save energy on warming the water. Only one leisure centre from each local authority can apply so to supplement this investment, South Kesteven District Council will install pool covers at Bourne Leisure Centre and Stamford Leisure pool, funded from the council's Climate Reserve.

• Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln has received £614,350 for new solar panels and variable speed fans.

• The Princess Royal Arena in Boston has received £203,858 for pool covers.

• Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa has been given £57,258 for pool covers.

• Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth has been given £591,173 for solar panels.

• One NK in North Hykeham has received £165,713 for solar panels.

• West Lindsey Leisure Centre in Gainsborough has received £401,500 for solar panels.

• Wragby Swimming Pool in Gainsborough has £59,023 for solar panels and pool covers.

SKDC’s assistant director for culture and leisure, Karen Whitfield, said: “The council is committed to encouraging leisure and fitness, both of which can also have a positive impact on people’s mental health.

“Therefore, we are very pleased to have been successful in winning this substantial amount of money when the competition was so fierce from other organisations across the country.

“Supporting our leisure facilities allows all of the South Kesteven community to lead healthy lives by participating in a wide range of activities, with our swimming pools at the top of the list. However, they are one of the most costly facilities to run so this funding is more than welcome.”

A spokesperson for Sport England said: "Requests for Phase II of the Swimming Pool Support Fund has been significant, with over 700 facility applications and a total funding ask of four times what was available.

"Having assessed all the applications submitted against the criteria and objectives of the fund, South Kesteven District Council has been awarded £445,725."

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director – place for Sport England, 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.”

Do you agree this is the best use of the cash? Share your views in the comments below.