SOLAR power is on its way to Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre in Leamington by the spring.
A total of 363 solar panels are set to be installed on the swimming pool roof and are predicted to save 28.3 tonnes of carbon emissions, as well as provide an energy bill saving of £31,931 per year.
Work will begin in February and, subject to no unforeseen problems, the solar array will be operational by April.
The solar panels will be paid for with £234,000 in funding received by Warwick District Council from phase two of the Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund.
The government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund provides a total of £60million to local authorities in England who provide public swimming leisure facilities and are feeling the pressure of increasing costs. This is the second round of funding won by the WDC from the fund – £165,641 was awarded under phase one towards increased energy costs.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, from Sport England said: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active. Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.
“Sport England is proud of the role we’ve played in supporting these facilities through this difficult period.”
