A NATIONAL Lottery award of thousands of pounds to improve a busy leisure centre could create new jobs.

Darwen Councillor Kathy Ramsden said the £77,000 award from the National Lottery Sports Fund will not only dramatically improve facilities at Darwen Lesiure Centre but could also open new job opportunities in the future.

Councillor Ramsden, vice-chairman of the Community and Leisure committee, said: "This is marvellous news and will be a tremendous boost to the borough.

"And, even if people haven't won the lottery themselves, they are at least getting something back in the way of improved facilities and more jobs which could be on offer after the improvements are in place."

Champagne flowed during celebrations to mark the award which will go towards costs of £228,000 to upgrade and modernise the centre, incorporating the refurbishment of wet changing areas for family and disabled use, provision of ramp access and lift, and relocation of fitness facilities and cafe areas. Councillor Ramsden joined Anne Macksmith, area manager for community and leisure, and John Forshaw, from the Community and Leisure department, who put together the bid.

Councillor Ramsden said: "Anne and John have done a tremendous job. It was their vision and hard work which has made all this possible.

"This is an extremely well used centre and the improvements, which could never have been done because of budget cuts without the lottery money, will benefit regular users and also disabled people."

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