Annual maintenance closure includes £62k gym refit for Appleby Leisure Centre

A £62k investment in gym equipment at Appleby Leisure Centre will be exercised by Eden District Council and North Country Leisure during May and June, when the centre closes temporarily for its annual maintenance programme.

Eden District Council's Deputy Leader and Communities Portfolio Holder, Councillor Mary Robinson, says, "We are working closely with our new contractor North Country Leisure to improve and upgrade Eden's leisure facilities. The annual maintenance programme at Appleby is an opportune time to deliver a sizeable £62,000 investment in new gym equipment at Appleby, which will benefit many residents and visitors.

"Included in the refit of the gymnasium is equipment that complies with the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFIS) accreditation, so is designed to be used by people with disabilities. This is another major step forward in making Eden's facilities more accessible for everyone in our communities. I hope leisure centre users in Appleby can be patient with us during the refurbishment works and enjoy using the improved facilities in the coming weeks."

Ian White, Chair of North Country Leisure Eden Board, says, "As a leisure charity, we're delighted to be working with Eden District Council to improve the equipment, quality and accessibility of the gym at Appleby - we're confident that local people will really enjoy being active in the new-look gym."

The maintenance project at Appleby Leisure Centre includes the refurbishment and redecoration of the gym, plus new equipment provided by Life Fitness. A range of resistance and cardiovascular equipment will be installed, including two Trixter bikes, for that virtual cycling experience.

The building works at the centre will take place in June, during the annual closure for maintenance work, so there will be no disruption to normal service. Penrith Leisure Centre will be open as usual and Appleby Leisure Centre members are welcome to continue exercising there during the closure period.

For details of the closure times see the table below.

Opening and Closure Information for Appleby Leisure Centre: 31 May to 18 June 2012

For more information about Appleby Leisure Centre visit www.northcountryleisure.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

For more information contact the Communication Officer at Eden District Council telephone: 01768 212137.