BURNLEY Council is to spend £275,000 replacing fitness equipment and refurbishing a well-used leisure centre.

The work, at St Peter’s Leisure Centre, in Burnley town centre, aims to increase participation among members of the local community.

The £29million health and leisure centre opened in 2005 amid a blaze of publicity, and includes two swimming pools, a fitness suite, health suite, cafe, and sports halls.

Gerard Vinton, head of sport and culture at the council, said: “The replacement of the fitness equipment at St Peter's is essential to meet the expectations of a large number of paying customers.

“The look, and feel, of the customer experience is important to enable us to protect over 50per cent of the centre’s income and to look to increase participation among all members of the local community.

“Providing new equipment, and refurbishing some key areas associated with the customer experience, will allow us not only to maintain current usage, but look to expand the customer base.

“This will assist in a further reduction in the centre’s deficit, which will provide the council with a facility that offers even greater value for money.”

Councillors are set to rubber stamp the investment at the executive meeting at Burnley Town Hall on Thursday.