AN MP has welcomed news that a north Hampshire leisure centre will receive just more than £200,000 investment to improve its energy efficiency.

Hart Leisure Centre, in Fleet, will benefit from a £201,500 investment, with Ranil Jayawardena MP welcoming the news.

The funding is part of the Swimming Pool Support Fund, which has invested £80m into 442 swimming pools across the country since last year.

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The investment will fund energy efficiency measures at Hart Leisure by installing solar panels, relieving financial pressure by reducing running costs.

Under the new sports strategy, the Government is aiming to get 3.5 million more people active by 2030, meeting the chief medical officer’s guidance of 150 minutes per week of exercise for adults, and 60 minutes per day for young people.

Basingstoke Gazette: Ranil Jayawardena MP and Cllr Steve Forster welcome investment into Hart Leisure CentreRanil Jayawardena MP and Cllr Steve Forster welcome investment into Hart Leisure Centre (Image: Ranil Jayawardena MP)

Alongside the Swimming Pool Support Fund, the Government is investing more than £300m in grassroots sports facilities including football pitches and tennis courts, sticking to the plan to get more people active, improving people’s health to ensure a brighter future for all.

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Mr Jayawardena said: “Hart Leisure Centre in North East Hampshire is a brilliant facility, allowing people of all ages and abilities to access the mental and physical benefits that come with exercise.

“That is why I am delighted that Hart Leisure Centre has received £201,500 investment to improve the pools energy efficiency, keeping running costs down and giving more people the opportunity to swim whilst reducing our environmental impact.

“By sticking to the plan, this Government has been able to invest in swimming pools across the country, improving people’s health to create a brighter future for all.”