A LEISURE facility chain have revealed they will be adopting a winter programme resulting in a reduction of opening hours due to 'unprecedented' energy costs.

The not-for-profit charitable social enterprise, Better Leisure (which manages over 268 facilities across the UK) have said that energy bills have tripled as of late.

Parent company GLL currently has around 20 companies across Cumbria, including Carlisle's new Sands Centre.

A spokesperson for GLL told BBC Radio Cumbria that the four centres in Allerdale could be run for around £400,000 when it comes to gas and electricity previously.

For 2023 however, projections paint a more 'stark' picture, with expected costs to rise to just under one million pounds.

The temporary programme will see leisure facilities across England open an hour later or perhaps close an hour earlier on certain days. Members are advised to check the website/app for any updates to their local facility. 

The changes, which begin in December will run until Easter - with hopes of not becoming a permanent fixture but for the moment, around 200 centres are set to adopt the new programme. 

A spokesperson for GLL said: "These changes come off the back of unprecedented rises in our energy costs.

"Some centres will open an hour later or close an hour earlier on certain days. Any changes can be found on our website and app.

"The winter programme is designed to keep valuable leisure facilities open and viable - and customer disruption to a minimum.

"Swimming lessons and school swimming are unaffected. Where clubs are affected we are contacting them individually.

"We apologise to customers for any inconvenience," they said. 

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