MEDIA

Sports centre looks for support to secure grant

Plans to improve Millom Recreation Centre are nearing completion and the centre’s management is asking residents to get behind the scheme by helping with fundraising and sending in messages of support for the funding application.
The proposals would see a new fitness suite and soft play area installed at the centre, which was built in 1988 and is run on a not-for-profit basis.
Staff say an extension is needed in order to meet the community's needs, as the current gym has space for less than 10 people at a time.
The proposed 11-metre by 16-metre suite will contain treadmills, cross-trainers, rowing machines and spinning bikes.
The scheme is being spearheaded by Marion Giles, director of the centre, and co-managers Tracy Kirk and Julie Forrest.
Mrs Kirk said: “The new fitness suite is of great importance to us here at MRC and we strive to be the main drivers of sport and fitness in the area while helping to regenerate the town through health and fitness.
“It is definitely a much needed facility in Millom as our survey showed.”The team is asking residents to write in, pledging their support in a bid to secure funding for the project.Mrs Kirk added: “There are lots of ways the public can help from helping with fundraising for our centre by continuing to use our existing building.
“We’ve received many letters of support from business and residents to help our funding bid. “Anyone who would like to send a letter of support is more than welcome as this will certainly help with our funding bids.”Mrs Kirk and Mrs Forrest have helped to turn the centre around, doubling revenue and visitor numbers since taking on the management mantle two years ago. Last year almost 50,000 visitors flocked to the centre.

The project has already received a £10,000 boost from Millom lottery winner Brenda Pugh, and the fitness suite will be named in her late husband Bill’s honour.
Mr Pugh was a well known running coach in the town and played a major role in sport in Millom.
The project will be eligible to apply to the Copeland Community Fund and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for funding.
Despite the plans almost being complete Mrs Kirk said people can still pledge their support to strengthen funding bids.