FITNESS facilities in Richmond and Colburn are to get a facelift – with the help of a £25,000 cash injection from the district council.

Richmond Leisure Trust will improve gym equipment at three of its sites; Richmond Swimming Pool, Liberty Health Club and Colburn Leisure Centre.

The work supports the results of a recent customer satisfaction survey which saw more than 300 facility users comment on cleanliness, value for money, staff helpfulness and friendliness, availability and health and safety.

The majority - 92 per cent - commented on how friendly and helpful the trust’s staff are and 81 per cent of customers felt they received good value for money.

Areas for improvement included healthier catering facilities and investment in current gym facilities and equipment.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Threlfall, said: “The £25,356 we have allocated will go some way towards the improvements customers asked for – as well as helping to lever in other grant funding for this work.

“Our fund is helping to support specific projects or activities which will benefit our five growth areas of Richmondshire.”