The news that the Sands Centre will benefit from £72,750 investment to improve its energy efficiency has ‘delighted’ Carlisle MP, John Stevenson.

The funding is part of the Swimming Pool Support Fund which has invested £80 million into 442 swimming pools across the country since last year.

Commenting, John Stevenson said: “The Sands Centre is a brilliant facility, allowing people of all ages and abilities to access the mental and physical benefits that come with exercise.

“That is why I am delighted that the Sands Centre has received a £72,750 investment from this Conservative Government, improving the pools energy efficiency, keeping running costs down and giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a swim whilst at the same time reducing our environmental impact.”

The investment will fund photo voltaic panels at the Sands Centre swimming pool and go some way to relieving financial pressure by helping to reduce running costs.

Under the new sports strategy, the Conservative Government is aiming to get 3.5 million more people active by 2030, meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s guidance of 150 minutes per week of exercise for adults and 60 minutes per day for young people.

Alongside the Swimming Pool Support Fund, this Conservative Government is investing over £300 million in grassroots sports facilities including football pitches and tennis courts, sticking to the plan to get more people active, improving people’s health to ensure a brighter future for all.

In the last month, over £83,000 has been granted by the Government for sports improvements in Bitts Park, Rickerby Park and Gillford Park.