Stockport’s new Labour Executive has announced a major £750,000 investment for local leisure centres in order to start to deal with a backlog of under-investment by the previous Liberal Democrat administration.

Grand Central Leisure Centre has been allocated £302,000 in order to reopen the health suite, which has been closed since late April, refurbish the changing rooms, and upgrade the swimming facilities.

Executive Councillor for Communities and Housing Sheila Bailey said ‘Our leisure centres are great community assets which we should be encouraging more residents to use and so I am very pleased to announce this investment by Stockport’s new Labour Council.

‘I have asked that the work at Grand Central begins in August or early September and is completed as quickly as possible.

‘The balance of this £750,000 will then be spent on urgent work at other leisure centres.’

Recent condition surveys carried out on leisure facilities across Stockport have found that a detailed and costly programme of forward investment will be needed.

Councillor Bailey added ‘Public assets like leisure centres and parks are highly valued by residents. They provide opportunities for sport and recreation which help people of all ages to stay active and healthy. We need to demonstrate that the Council values them just as much.

‘The disruption caused to users of the health suite at Grand Central especially has been considerable over the last few months, so I’m delighted to be able to take decisive action which should see the facilities re-opened later in the year.’