“TIRED” facilities at a Great Harwood leisure centre have received a facelift.

The swimming pool hall at Mercer Hall Leisure Centre, in Queen Street, was refurbished using National Lottery funding worth £56,190 and extra cash from the council and Hyndburn Leisure.

A new ceiling was installed, tiling in the pool was patched up, and the hall was given a fresh lick of paint.

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The work, which was due to finish at the end of March, required the centre to close, but it has now reopened its doors.

Steve Tanti, chief executive of Hyndburn Leisure, said: “We are delighted with the results of refurbishment. The end result is fantastic.”

The money was granted by Sport England, which has invested £10 million in 148 projects across the country as part of the latest round of its Inspired Facilities Fund.

The money is designed to convert existing buildings into venues that are more suitable for grassroots sport.

Sport England’s property director, Charles Johnston, said: “This funding creates a long-lasting impact for many grassroots clubs and projects.”

Residents living close to the centre were told to be on the lookout for free swimming vouchers being posted through the doors this week.

And throughout the summer holidays, youngsters under the age of 16 can swim for £1.

Mr Tanti said: “As well as our quid a kid promotion, we have relaunched our learn to swim programme under the Take Swimming Seriously brand.

“We want every child in Hyndburn to learn how to swim.”

The refurbishment at Mercer Hall was one of several recent improvements to leisure facilities in Hyndburn, with gym refurbishments, spa facilities and a brand new 3G pitch all being completed over the last few years.

New changing rooms at Hyndburn Leisure Centre and a ladies only toning gym at Mercer Hall are both due to be finished before the end of the year.

For information on swimming at Mercer Hall Leisure Centre contact 01254 885607 or learntoswim@hyndburnleisure.co.uk Mercer Hall Leisure Centre was converted from a former dance hall in 1967.