Swimming pools across East Lindsey receiving more than £600,000

An external image of the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth.

Swimming pools across East Lindsey are set to benefit from more than £600,000 in support funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

It has been announced on Saturday (March 23) that the DCMS has unveiled a £60 million support fund for swimming pools across England, including 38 pools here in the East Midlands which will be benefitting from a share of more than £8million

One of these pools in East Lindsey set to receive a sum from the fund is Louth’s Meridian Leisure Centre and Wood Lane Playing Fields, which are set to benefit from £591,173 for the purchase of Photo Voltaic (PV) panels and variable speed fans.

Councillor Graham Marsh, Deputy Leader at East Lindsey District Council and Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: "I am proud that our council have worked so hard to collaborate this bid and are delighted to announce our success in securing the funding.

“Given the currently soaring energy costs, this financial support will enable us to maintain our excellent service for all leisure centre users.

“Swimming is a crucial life skill for individuals of all ages, promoting both physical and mental health. It remains our priority to facilitate residents in staying active and enjoying our pools."

Jubilee Park Woodhall Spa Ltd is to receive £57,258 from the National Lottery (Sport England), and chief executive Linzi Elliott said that the trustees were “thrilled to bits” that their application was successful:

“As an open air heated pool the covers make a massive difference to our running costs by holding the heat in overnight and our old covers are on their last legs. The solar panels will also help keep our utility costs down.

“This grant means we can use our precious resources for other much needed projects such as replacement play park equipment.”

Jubilee Park will be open for the 2024 season from Good Friday (March 29) every day until late September, and the water temperature is maintained at around 29°c (86°f).

“We are self-supporting without regular public funding, so grants like this are vital if we are to continue to thrive and serve our communities into the future,” Linzi added, “We are so grateful that DCMS have recognised that our community owned

facility is so important to the health and wellbeing of people in this part of the county.”

Wragby Swimming Pool will also benefit from £59,023, of which both facilities will use the fund to purchase new pool covers and photo voltaic (PV) panels.

Boston’s Princess Royal Sports Arena, currently run by Lex Leisure successful secured £203,858 to purchase a pool cover and heat recovery to air handling unit.

Coun Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Boston Borough Council, said: "We're delighted to receive this funding and pleased to have collaborated with our partners on a successful application.

“Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the escalating cost of living, the past few years have posed challenges for all. Our venues, like many others, have experienced financial strains due to these issues.

"This funding helps secure the continuity of our services for the residents and visitors of Boston Borough, fostering increased participation in physical activity and enhancing both physical and mental health and wellbeing. It is crucial that these services remain accessible and affordable.”