BOLTON has secured £489,000 of funding to support popular sporting and leisure facilities during the borough’s Covid-19 recovery.
The cash will come from Sport England’s National Leisure Recovery Fund, designed to help public leisure centres reopen safely for as many people as possible.
The government’s roadmap for the easing of Covid restrictions could see the borough’s leisure centres open as early as April 12.
The funding will be shared between two organisations which manage leisure centres on behalf of the council, with Bolton Community Leisure Trust receiving £374,000 and Bolton Arena benefiting from £115,000.
The money will be invested in measures which will allow centres to accommodate more people and open for longer than would otherwise be possible.
It will also allow them to welcome back certain vulnerable groups for courses and activities.
New additions will include protective screens and equipment to improve ventilation.
The financial boost will also allow non-commercial activities to resume such as healthy lifestyle sessions and classes in due course.
Bolton Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said: “This successful funding bid by Bolton Council will help get our sports and leisure sector fighting fit for the Covid recovery.
“I know many residents can’t wait for our leisure centres to open and I’m sure they will join me in welcoming this news.
“But I also hope that investing in additional precautions will give those residents who may be reluctant to use the facilities the confidence they need to come along and join in.
“An active lifestyle has so many benefits for both our physical and mental health and I urge everyone to have a look at the many great activities that will be on offer.”