A LEISURE centre based in Okehampton has received nearly £40,000 in funding to upgrade facilities. 

Parklands Leisure Centre in the town has benefitted from the Swimming Pool Support fund, receiving £38,5000.  

325 swimming pools and leisure centres across England have received money from the £60.5million Phase II of the fund to help ensure their long-term sustainability by improving their energy efficiency. The funding for Parklands, which is owned by West Devon Borough Council, will pay for pool covers and a variable speed filtration system. 

It is hoped that the woks will provide future security for the site.  

Cllr Tony Leech, West Devon’s lead hub member for leisure, health and wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this funding for Parklands Leisure Centre. Rising energy costs have hit leisure facilities especially hard in recent times, and this funding will help ensure the future of this vitally important community facility for the town of Okehampton and the wider area. 

“Our leisure centres bring people together, help people improve their physical and mental health and are hugely important to community wellbeing. Parklands is a facility that Okehampton can be proud of.”