SOMERSET leisure centres will be improved after more than £300,000 of new funding was secured.

The cash, totalling £316,700, has been awarded to Somerset Council from the government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF), which comes from Sport England and the National Lottery.

It will be used to install new energy efficiency measures at four Somerset leisure centres.

Frome Leisure Centre and Wells Leisure Centre, run by Fusion Lifestyle, will get new swimming pool covers and Photovoltaic (PV) Panels installed on the roofs.

Chard Leisure Centre and Goldenstones Leisure Centre in Yeovil, run by Freedom Leisure, will have destratification fans installed, which circulate warm air which has built up near the ceiling back down to ground level.

They will help to improve energy efficiency by reducing the need for additional heating of the pool halls.

Last year, Somerset Council was awarded £211,208 as part of Phase 1 of SPSF funding, which supported five Somerset swimming pools with the increase in pool chemical and utilities costs.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, lead member for communities, housing and culture, said: “We welcome this exciting grant funding from Sport England and the National Lottery and look forward to working with Freedom Leisure and Fusion Lifestyle to invest in these crucial energy efficiency measures.

“Sustainability is a core value for us, and these upgrades will not only future-proof our buildings but also significantly reduce their environmental impact.

“We’re delighted that residents will soon have access to facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology, promoting both physical health and overall wellbeing.”

Cllr Dixie Darch, lead member for environment and climate change, added: “We’re committed to doing what we can to make Somerset a greener, more sustainable place.

“To have these energy saving measures installed at no cost to the Council is fantastic news, and possible thanks to the hard work of staff bidding for grants like this.”