Leisure facilities on their way within only a few weeks

THE countdown to two new swimming pools and fitness centres opening in Calderdale has begun.

In eight weeks time a new leisure centre promised for the people of Brighouse decades ago will open while in 12 weeks Sowerby Bridge residents will find new leisure facilities on their doorstep too.

Brighouse pool and fitness centre is due to be handed over to Calderdale Council on October 11, and set to open in time for the half term holiday on Monday, October 25.

Sowerby Bridge pool and fitness centre is due to be handed over on October 25 and open to the public on Monday 22 November.

The project lost around two weeks at the start of the year due to the severe winter weather, but contractors quickly caught up and expect the pools to open on time.

Both leisure centres will include a 25 metre swimming pool, separate learner pool, gym and dance studio. Anyone interested can now join online and enrol for swimming lessons at www.joinbrighouse.co.uk and www.joinsowerby.co.uk

Coun Ian Cooper, chairman of the Safer and Stronger Communities Scrutiny Panel, said: “We are pleased to learn that the building projects for Calderdale’s brand new leisure centres are running smoothly.”

Coun Pauline Nash, the council’s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities added: “We are delighted that the countdown has started to first class new leisure facilities for the borough. Along with local people we are awaiting the opening of the new pools and fitness suites with excitement.”

Meanwhile plans are afoot for a 3m scheme to redevelop Mytholmroyd Community Centre complex and turn a 77-year-old dream of a swimming pool for the district into a reality.

The scheme includes additional facilities with a health spa, an all-weather playing pitch, climbing wall and enlarged gymnasium.

Swimming pool trustees have ring fenced nearly 1m for the scheme which would see a 25 metre by four lane swimming pool created on the ground floor together with a health spa and fitness area.

There are also plans for bars, lounges and a kitchen along with viewing areas for spectactors to the pool and squash courts.