An East Lancashire leisure centre is one of seven that has been handed cash by the Government to help it stay open and serving the community.

Whitworth Leisure Centre is one of the centres sharing £2.4 million in investment unveiled by the Department for Levelling Up today, through its Community Ownership Fund.

The cash is designed to protect facilities run by the community to ensure they can continue to serve local people.

In December, ownership of the John Street facility was transferred by Rossendale Council to the new Whitworth Leisure Community Interest Company.

The council had announced plans to close the centre as part of cost-cutting measures, sparking anger and protests at the decision in the town.

The leisure centre reopened last month after being taken over by the community.

Whitworth Leisure CIC has now been handed £216,000 by the Government to support the reopening of the centre.

The CIC said this investment means the centre's future is "brighter than ever before".

In a statement, it said: "At the beginning of our fight to save Whitworth Leisure Centre from closure we knew the Community Ownership Fund was the key to success.

"The delays in returning the ownership of the building to the community meant we couldn’t apply until the beginning of this year, but despite the hurdles and delays we persisted nonetheless.

"The rigorous application process demanded extensive effort and commitment, underscoring the resilience of the team behind saving Whitworth Leisure Centre, specifically the relentless perseverance of Alan Billingsley and Jo Furtado.

"Without the faith in the CIC from Whitworth Town Council and Mayor Mike Royds this achievement would not have been possible. The funding will see the centre's transformation become a reality, ensuring it remains a vital asset for the community for years to come.

"The secured funding will facilitate a meticulous refurbishment of the leisure centre, breathing new life into its facilities.

"Key enhancements include essential repairs and maintenance for the large pool and building, the renewal of changing facilities, as well as the creation of an innovative multi-use studio space, making the centre safe and welcoming and able to continue to provide accessible health, leisure and swimming facilities in Whitworth."

Across the country, more than 80 projects are sharing £33.5 million in funding to keep serving their communities.  

Ruth Hempsall Jones, from Whitworth Leisure CIC, said: "We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support received from the community, all of our volunteers, and every person involved in this journey so far.

"The fundraising from each individual, businesses and our members has been nothing short of incredible.

"This achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together to save community facilities.”

Jacob Young, minister for levelling up, said:  “We know how much these vital community assets mean to people across the country.

"They are an important lifeline for people young and old, and they’re the beating heart of our towns, cities and villages.   

“That’s why we’re stepping in to protect them with a major rescue package, so we stop these great establishments closing or being lost forever and ensure that they continue to sit at the heart of our beloved communities.”  

From Monday, community-owned groups can apply for more funding in the final round of grants from the Community Ownership Fund.

The first bidding window opens on Monday, March 25, and closes on Wednesday, April 10.