AN East Lancashire leisure trust has given details of its plans to cut carbon emission by 74 per cent using a government grant.

The changes will bring its main complex "into a sustainable, 21st century world".

The work will take place at Hyndburn Leisure Centre in Henry Street, Church, using £2 million from the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Lyndsey Sims, chief executive of Hyndburn Leisure, which runs the building, said: "The work will see outdated gas central heating replaced with clean air source heat pump technology, solar panels and efficient ventilation systems installed.

"The measures include two air source heat pumps to replace the primary heating source of gas-powered boilers, metering and monitoring systems, are all taking place with minimal disruption to services.

“When Hyndburn Borough Council announced a climate emergency in 2019, we knew we had to act.

"Climate change is a devastating threat at both a local and global level. We all have a responsibility to stop it in its tracks.

"Hyndburn Leisure Centre’s existing energy infrastructure was significantly outdated, but the £2m grant awarded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will bring the facility into a sustainable, 21st century world.

“The improvements won’t just save power, they’ll also help cut our running costs – allowing us to continue to deliver on value and positive health outcomes for service users as we face the current energy crisis."

Construction specialists ISG have been engaged to carry out the works, including installing the cutting-edge air source heat pumps and 652 solar panels.

Geoff Howe, senior site manager for the project, added: “This work will bring about significant environmental benefits, but also economic and social benefits."