LUDLOW'S MP Stuart Anderson is calling for the extension of a fund which has helped hundreds of swimming pools across the country – including Teme Leisure Ludlow, which was awarded £208,023 in March.

Mr Anderson has asked the new government to extend the Swimming Pool Support Fund so more leisure centres can secure their sustainability by undertaking renovations that reduce their energy consumption.

“Swimming is such a great way for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy," said Mr Anderson.

"It is also a vital life skill, so I was pleased when the last government invested £80 million alongside Sport England to help centres like Teme Leisure in Ludlow make the facilities more sustainable through energy efficiency upgrades. I understand how important it is for swimmers, whether elite or beginner, young or old, to have access to a local pool.

"Residents across South Shropshire, from Church Stretton to Bishop’s Castle, have reiterated this. My family and I also enjoy using the facilities in Much Wenlock. So I am calling on the new government to continue the funding for upgrades at public swimming pools and leisure centres to keep the running costs down, while giving more people the opportunity to take up swimming.

"I hope that it is a priority for the new government to get more people up and down the country more active.”

Earlier in the year, 300 public swimming pools across England – including Teme Leisure Ludlow – received a share of £60 million from the Government and Sport England. This built on almost 200 swimming pools that received a share of £20 million through phase I, meaning the Fund has now invested £80 million into 442 swimming pools in 367 local authority areas across the country since 2023. It followed the £100 million National Leisure Centre Recovery Fund, which secured the survival and reopening of more than 1,100 swimming pools since 2019.

With the support fund now closed to new applications, Mr Anderson has urged the Sports Secretary to extend the scheme so leisure centres can receive further investment that would help to ensure millions of visitors can continue to use these facilities.