A CASH boost of £500,000 will go towards transforming the swimming pool facilities in Ledbury.

The Halo-run sports facility was one of only 22 projects across England to receive funding from Sport England’s £7.5 million Improvement Fund, which is National Lottery funding.

The money will create new village-style changing rooms to offer more flexibility for families and school groups, as well as being more accommodating for disability swimmers and centre users.

It is part of a bigger project between Herefordshire Council and leisure provider, Halo, to improve the leisure centre facilities.

Alex Haines, Halo partnership manager said: "This Sport England funding means we are currently investing in the region of £2.6m into the facility.

“As we speak, the Halo team are now upgrading and extending the gym and exercise studio, giving the reception and changing facilities a makeover and building a new sauna and steam room."

The building work, which includes an extension, started in June and will be completed by next April.

While work is taking place there is a temporary fitness facility at the Youth Centre in Bye Street, which is offering a gym and group exercise classes.

The centre, which sees more than 100,000 customers every year, is confident that the new facilities will encourage more people to get more active more often.

Keep up to date with what's happening at Ledbury pool on its Facebook site www.facebook.com/LedburyLeisure.