COUNCIL bosses have said a £145,000 refurbishment of the swimming pool at Hyndburn Leisure Centre will help secure its future.

It comes as the swimming pool reopened after major work was completed at the 40-year-old facility.

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The pool has new tiles, ceiling and new training pool with reduced depth which will make it more energy efficient.

The work was funded by investment from Hyndburn Council, the Prospects Foundation and Hyndburn Leisure.

Steve Tanti, chief executive of Hyndburn Leisure, said the work gave the area a ‘modern’ pool which swimmers wanted.

He said: “We hope customers are happier.

“Hyndburn Leisure Centre is now over 40 years old, and we understand customers want to swim or exercise in a modern environment.

“We’ve introduced a new swimming pool programme, expanded our range of swimming lessons and hope to introduce some new water based fitness classes in the training pool.

“These are all positive outcomes which wouldn’t have happened without the refurbishment.”

The pool hall was officially opened by members of Accrington Swimming Club on Monday evening.

A club spokesman said: “It’s great to be back after a few weeks away.

“Our members have been looking forward to this for weeks now.

“The refurbishment looks great and has really given the building a lift.”

The pool closed its doors at the beginning of November to allow the work to take place.

Cllr Ken Moss, portfolio holder for leisure on Hyndburn Council, said he hoped the investment will secure the future of leisure provision in the area with more people using it meaning the trust could become a stand-alone business.

He said: “The council has continued to invest in leisure facilities over the last few years.

“Despite the government continuing to reduce the local government settlement, we recognise the importance of encouraging our residents to be physically active which is why we continue to try to fund the development of facilities where we are able to do so.”

The sports hall at the centre will also be converted into a soft play area in spring.