THERE has been a boost for the threatened leisure centre in Bishops Castle.

SpArC is fighting to survive in the face of potential funding cuts.

People in the town and surrounding area are busy trying to raise funds to enable it to stay open.

Now there is a new boost which does not mean actual money but which should help to cut costs.

SpArC has been awarded £12,500 by the M&S Energy Fund.

The funding will go towards providing a new cover for the swimming pool, which will save 15 per cent energy costs per day.

SpArC received more than 2,000 votes to become one of 26 winning projects across the UK.

The M&S Energy Community Fund offered £350,000 in grants available to community groups looking to install renewable technology or energy efficiency measures. More than 78,000 votes were placed during this year’s competition.

“This funding is great news for SpArC, which will be able to reduce its ongoing energy costs with a new pool cover,” said Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow.

“I congratulate the local community on their support for this funding bid, and hope it will be an important step in securing a long-term financially viable future for SpArC.”