Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has welcomed news that Hinckley Leisure Centre will benefit from Government investment of £120,000 to improve its energy efficiency.
Public facilities, such as swimming pools, have had a tough few years given the impact of Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions made operating very difficult. The investment will fund energy efficiency measures at Hinckley Leisure Centre by contributing to a project for solar panels, relieving some of the financial pressure facing community assets - such as the Leisure Centre - since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine caused an increase in energy bills.
Alongside the Swimming Pool Support Fund, the Government is investing over £300 million in grassroots sports facilities, including football pitches and tennis courts, as part of its aim to get 3.5 million more people active by 2030.
Other local projects which have received funding include the recently announced £150,000 for a new 3G pitch at Hinckley Rugby Football Club, over £530,000 for an artificial grass pitch upgrade at Bosworth Academy, £532,000 for a new floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch at Barwell Cricket & Sports Club and more than £12,500 for goalposts at clubs across the area including Witherley, Market Bosworth, Hinckley, Markfield and Ratby.
The Swimming Pool Support Fund has received partner funding from Sport England, but the £120,000 secured for Hinckley Leisure Centre is directly from the Government by way of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “The Hinckley Leisure Centre is a fantastic facility and has been enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities since it opened in Argents Mead in 2016.
“So I’m delighted the Government is investing £120,000 to improve the Centre’s energy efficiency, which will keep running costs down and give more people the opportunity to access the mental and physical benefits that come with exercise, all while reducing our environmental impact.
“This funding brings Government investment in sports facilities in our area over £1,300,000 since 2021, but more importantly, it is providing the facilities we so badly need in our area for people of all ages to take up a new sport, or continue to build and compete as their skills improve. We have seen local investment in football, tennis, rugby and now swimming, and I am so pleased we are starting to reach our sporting potential.
“If you are a club or community organisation looking for further funding, do get in contact with me (via email at [email protected]) as I often hear of grants which are available and I’m always here to help!”
Stuart Andrew, Sports Minister, 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.”
