Leisure Trust splashes out on swimming pools

Mon 9th November 2009 3.57PM

WORK is to start on a major facelift at two swimming pools in the borough thanks to £500,000 of funding. Bolton Council and Bolton Community Leisure Trust are investing £300,000 into upgrading facilities at Farnworth and Horwich leisure centres. In addition, the pools will benefit from £250,000 of funding from the government’s free swimming programme. Work has started at Farnworth pool while Horwich’s improvements will commence later in the month. The work at both pools is expected to take between six and eight weeks and while the pools will be closed to the public during the refurbishments, the rest of the leisure centre facilities will continue to run as normal.

Improvements will include structural repairs, an upgrade of the public viewing areas and refurbishment of the reception areas. Executive Member for Adult and Community Services, Councillor Elaine Sherrington, said: “These are vital improvements needed to enhance both Farnworth and Horwich pools in order to make the swimming experience more pleasant for visitors and we are delighted to be able to invest in two of our most popular leisure centres. In order to carry out the work, the pools will have to be closed for several weeks. However, we are keen to keep disruption to a minimum and would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience to our customers.” Richard Sanders, Vice Chair of the Bolton Community Leisure Trust, said: “This investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to significantly improve our leisure facilities. We aim to provide high quality value for money services to encourage everyone in Bolton to get active and lead longer, healthier and happier lives.”

Schools participating in the educational swimming programme have been offered alternative pools during the works so pupils can complete their lessons as planned and members of the public wishing to take advantage of the council’s FreeBie scheme during October half term will be informed of alternative arrangements nearer the time. For more information, customers can contact Farnworth Leisure Centre on 01204 334477 and Horwich Leisure Centre on 01204 334488 or visit www.boltonleisure.com