Leisure centres supported by Swimming Pool Support Fund

£20 million has been awarded to swimming pools and leisure centres across England in response to increased operating costs.

The money has been awarded to over 100 local authorities.

The first £20 million of funding from the Swimming Pool Support Fund is going to to the swimming pools and leisure centres most at risk of closure or significant service reduction.

196 leisure centres and swimming pools in 103 local authorities will receive funding. It is hoped the money will support over 23 million swims a year.

The money is set to be spent on immediate maintenance costs, heating and pool chemicals.

Sports minister Stuart Andrew said: "Leisure centres and pools are  vital for millions of people to stay fit and healthy, and we know that many public swimming pools are experiencing greater pressure due to increased operating costs.

"We have heard their concerns and have stepped in to help them make ends meet with £20 million immediate relief, and a further £40 million to help improve sustainability of public swimming pools over the long term.

"This is part of our support for grassroots sports facilities with more than £400 million in order to achieve our ambitious target of getting 3.5 million more people active by 2030.

Five-time olympic swimmer Mark Foster said: "Swimming pools are at the heart of communities, and there are so many reasons why this funding to keep almost 200 open in England is so important.

"From babies and children learning to swim, to older adults using their local pool to get active and socialise, swimming has a huge range of benefits and I am a passionate advocate for investment in the grassroots."