A slice of a £460k cash boost will be given to Ledbury swimming pool and leisure centre to help it get up and running again as Covid lockdown measures ease.

Halo Leisure facilities in Herefordshire, which include the Ledbury site at Lawnside, will receive a helping hand via a new grant scheme, the National Leisure Recovery Fund from Sport England which supports publicly owned leisure facilities through the coronavirus crisis.

Herefordshire Council has received £460k to allocate to Halo Leisure “to help secure the future of these important community venues located across the county in Ledbury, Bromyard, Hereford City, Kington, Leominster and Ross.

It is the maximum amount that could have been allocated “and seeks to allow leisure facilities to reopen to the public”.

Cllr Gemma Davies, the county’s cabinet member for commissioning, procurement and assets, said: “We are delighted that the partnership between Herefordshire Council and Halo has resulted in this funding.

"Leisure centres play a vital role in helping people to be active and they’ll be crucial in our county’s recovery from coronavirus as well as wider health, wellbeing and community benefits.”

Halo is a social enterprise and like many registered charities has struggled financially during the ongoing pandemic.

Scott Rolfe, Halo CEO said “The vast majority of our income comes from families on our children’s coaching courses for gymnastics and swimming and local people enjoying our pools, gyms and group exercise classes. When we closed this income stream dried up immediately. We welcome this funding at this time as we prepare to reopen our leisure centres from April 12 .

“ It will play an important part in the rebuilding of our services, giving us the best chance of recovery.”