South Ribble Borough Council (SRBC) has announced the start of work on a 'comprehensive' upgrade of local leisure facilities.

A new IT and phone system will be installed at all facilities in order to make it easier for residents to learn more about services on offer at each site, while opening times are to be reviewed. Each facility will also benefit from new heating systems - designed to enhance energy efficiency - and the installation of new furniture, televisions and sound systems.

Meanwhile, Penwortham Priory Leisure Centre is in line for a major renovation after SRBC reached agreement with Lancashire County Council and Priory Sports and Technology College over its future. Existing tennis courts will be transformed into to a multi-use games area for school pupils and public users, while a refurbished fitness suite and new dryside changing facilities are also planned.

South Ribble Tennis and Fitness Centre in Bamber Bridge will see its gym upgraded to meet IFI standards, while three courts and the changing areas will also benefit from improvements. Leyland Leisure Centre will receive new equipment for the fitness suite and the sports hall and disabled access will be upgraded.

Phil Smith, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure and healthy communities at SRBC, said: "At a time when most local authorities are cutting back on leisure, we are bucking the trend and investing in facilities which will make our leisure centres better and more accessible to all." The facilities are all managed by South Ribble Community Leisure on behalf of the council.