PLANS for new leisure facilities have taken a major step forward after Hartlepool Borough Council’s Finance and Policy Committee agreed to fund a feasibility study.

And now residents are being urged to play a key role in that process by taking part in a public consultation which will run over the summer.

The Committee was told it is vital that preparations for new leisure facilities are accelerated, given the age and life expectancy of the town’s existing Mill House Leisure Centre, which was built in 1972.

The Committee agreed to cover the cost of the feasibility study, option appraisal and initial design works by re-allocating £175,000 from the Council’s planned capital maintenance budget.

The public consultation will seek to identify the mix of leisure facilities required across the town to encourage more people to take part in sport and leisure activities and will also aim to identify any barriers to participation.

People can take part in the online study now at

www.hartlepool.gov.uk/future-leisure-facilities