Central Devon MP and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride has welcomed the announcement that three swimming pools in his constituency are to benefit from national funding. Across the country 196 swimming pools and leisure centres have been awarded a share of £20 million.
The grants are from the first phase of the government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, with a second phase, backed by £40 million of funding, to be allocated by the end of January 2024.
Bovey Tracey Swimming Pool was the biggest local winner with £5,600, followed by Buckfastleigh Open Air Pool with £2,500 and Moretonhampstead Swimming Pool with £683.
Mr Stride said:
“We have some fantastic local swimming pools in our constituency but many are facing real difficulty in the face of rising costs. I am delighted that Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh and Moretonhampstead pools have been successful in their grants.”
Mr Stride has recently been supporting trustees at Ashburton Swimming Pool with their goal of raising £100,000 for major structural repairs which must be carried out in order for the it to re-open in 2024. For more information or to donate towards their fundraising efforts please visit www.ashburtonpool.com.
