Norfolk council invests in new gym equipment

Wednesday, December 12, 2012
9:58 AM

A district council has invested in new gym equipment at its leisure centres after seeing an increase in users following the Olympics and Paralympics.

More than 40 new pieces of equipment, including treadmills and bikes, as well as stair climbers have been installed in the three gyms at Long Stratton, Wymondham and Diss by South Norfolk Council.

It comes after the district council-run leisure centres experienced a 5pc jump in visits by customers this autumn.

Since the Olympics, the numbers of visits to South Norfolk leisure centres has risen from just over 119,000 in August, September and October 2011 to almost 126,000 in the same time this year.

Long Stratton Leisure Centre has also recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with more than 150 people attending a birthday party.

David Bills, cabinet member for innovation and efficiency, said: “Like our leisure centre customers, we rarely stand still. We are always looking to improve and these new pieces of equipment mean our gyms are now not just great to use, we are directly helping hundreds of South Norfolk residents get fit and stay fit.

Our residents want to take responsibility for their own health and well being. We are giving them the facilities and equipment to do so.”

South Norfolk Council is considering the next phase of leisure centre improvements, including to changing rooms, and encouraging more young people to join.

It has also developed outdoor gyms in Easton, Costessey, Bracon Ash, Poringland, Cringleford and Long Stratton and is preparing a programme of fitness sessions at those.

For more information, visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk