Image: The deal came into effect on 1 September

Leisure facilities owned by Braintree District Council are to benefit from £1m of investment after Fusion Lifestyle took over responsibility for operating the venues this month.

Earlier this year, the charitable trust secured a management contract from the local authority, which came into effect on 1 September and includes Braintree Swimming Centre.

Bramston Sports Centre, Bramston Sports Ground, Braintree Leisure Centre and Halstead Leisure Centre are also included, as well as Witham Leisure Centre when it opens.

Fusion Lifestyle chief executive Peter Kay said: "The team at Fusion is looking forward to delivering some exciting developments over the next few years.

"As a registered charity, we are committed to reinvestment, and providing the local community with high quality services at a price people are willing and able to pay"

Click here for more information about Fusion Lifestyle's planned leisure investment in Braintree.

Image (from left): Joanne Beavis and Peter Tattersley of Braintree District Council; Tim Mills, director of business development at Fusion; and Jon Richardson, Fusion's general manager Fusion for Halstead and Braintree