Leisure centres in Oldham are set to receive half a million pounds for swimming pools.

Seven facilities across the borough will receive a share of £500,000 from the council after it was awarded the grant by Sport England, which has a dedicated swimming pool support fund.

The money will be used to help with operating costs such as heating and pool chemicals – the price of which have all gone up significantly in recent years.

Cllr Peter Dean, cabinet member for communities and culture at the council, said: “This funding is really good news for the borough.

“Babies, all the way through to pensioners, use our pools every day and they remain as popular as they’ve ever been.

“Swimming pools are important to our communities as they provide the chance for Oldhamers to learn a skill that they can use and enjoy for the rest of their lives. And on top of that swimming also has good physical, mental and social benefits.” 

Oldham is one of more than 100 local authorities which has been awarded a share of £20m after a successful application.

The money is to be used to assist with increased operating costs.

Cllr Dean added: “I’d like to thank officers and colleagues for securing this funding for the borough, especially in these challenging financial times.

"Like everything across the country, the cost of running our leisure facilities has increased significantly.

“However, we remain committed to providing opportunities for our local communities to enjoy swimming and to be active.”

Stuart Lockwood, chief executive of Oldham Community Leisure, said: “Swimming pools are vital to teach our children such an important life skill as well as providing a safe space for people of all ages to exercise regularly.

“We currently have record numbers on our swimming lessons after Covid and this funding will help protect the service for the foreseeable future.”