Facilities at Broadway Sports Centre, St Helens, are to be refurbished by the local authority, after Badminton England contributed £250,000 towards the proposals.

St Helens Council has confirmed that it will be investing £300,000 in the upgrade following its successful bid for national governing body support in conjunction with a local club. The badminton facilities will be brought up to national standard and will be used by Sutton Badminton Club between Monday and Thursday, with youth provision at the weekend.

A new sprung wood floor, heating and ventilation systems are to be installed at the venue as part of the revamp, along with new-look changing areas and disabled provision. St Helens Council deputy leader Barrie Grunewald said: "Working with local badminton clubs allows us to operate the sports hall far more economically."