Good news for swimmers as Hastings Borough Council receives £266,573 from the government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF). The funding is for additional photovoltaic panels (£126,984) and replacement boilers (£139,589) at Summerfields Leisure Centre. These will reduce the energy consumption level of the facility, which will help with financial sustainability and reduce the carbon output.

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, lead councillor for sport and leisure, explains that it’s been tough for swimming pools nationally over the last few years, firstly with the pandemic, and more recently with the increase in swimming pool energy bills. However, the council, in partnership with Freedom Leisure, had already secured a phase one SPSF revenue grant of £98,000 which has helped cover the increase in utility bills at the leisure centre. 

“The successful Phase 2 bid will make the centre more energy efficient,” he says, “as well as reducing the ongoing energy bills. Swimming is a great form of exercise, and having a local pool is an essential resource for our local residents.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Place, the arm of Sport England working with the government on the funding programme, says: “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 bills 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.”


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/community.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/community.jpgHIPCommunityGlenn Haffenden,Hastings Borough Council,Lisa Dodd-Mayne,Swimming Pool Support FundGood news for swimmers as Hastings Borough Council receives £266,573 from the government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF). The funding is for additional photovoltaic panels (£126,984) and replacement boilers (£139,589) at Summerfields Leisure Centre. These will reduce the energy consumption level of the facility, which will help with financial sustainability...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper