Government stops pool revamp cash programme
Work to upgrade several swimming pools in Derbyshire has been stopped after the government decided to withdraw money for the projects.
Sport England has announced the move which will affect £25m earmarked for 39 councils in England. One of the schemes affected is work on the Green Bank Leisure Centre in Swadlincote. South Derbyshire District Council had been allocated £650,000 to revamp the pool and changing rooms. The council says it will look at getting the money for the project elsewhere. The councils across England have been told there is no money available to bid for in the next round of funding to modernise public swimming pools. A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said "We are facing an unprecedented financial situation in this country, and it is essential that we act now to reduce the country's debt. "As part of that, the government has decided to end the £25m capital modernisation programme for swimming pools. Derbyshire Dales District Council and Derbyshire County Council are also affected by the cuts.