2 Isle of Wight swimming pools receive Sport England funding

Sport England has announced an award of £500,000 for the swimming facilities at Medina and The Heights Leisure centres, both run by the council.

The grant will be used to support the two pools with the rising costs of energy and chemicals.

The Swimming Pool Support Fund was announced in March. This first round of funding is going to the swimming pools and leisure centres most at risk of closure or significant service reduction.

Medina swimming pool (Image: Isle of Wight Council)

Sport England's director of place, Lisa Dodd-Mayne, said: "We know just how vital swimming pools and leisure centres are to our nation’s activity levels, which is why Sport England is proud to have played a central role in the delivery of this fund.

“Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators battle the challenge of increased energy and maintenance costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.”

Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, said: "This award is absolutely crucial for our 1Leisure pools, providing an essential service for swimming lessons, swim teams and health and well-being for thousands of residents.

"The past investment into making our pools more energy efficient has been recognised by Sport England, awarding us the maximum level of funding available.

"Thanks are due to our team at 1Leisure for putting the detailed bid together.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed for further energy efficiency measures being funded across the Island."