Work to start today on major leisure centre upgrade

Plus: Plans announced for new estate on allotments site

Welcome to Monday’s edition of Ashfield News, where we bring you the latest on major plans for new homes in an Ashfield town, a dramatic fire involving 12,000 tonnes of hay bales, and a high-profile police response after a sword was spotted in a park.

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Work begins today on major leisure centre upgrade

Kirkby Leisure Centre is set to get a £207,000 upgrade to meet growing demand.

The upgrade, funded jointly with operator Everyone Active and Ashfield District Council, will see the gym extended by 151 square metres with 18 new workout stations.

The soft play area will also be increased by 20%.

One of the existing studios will be repurposed, with exercise classes relocated to other areas, increasing class capacity.

The improvements follow a surge in memberships, now standing at 2,400.

Work begins on 14 July and will be completed by August.

John Bennett, executive director for Ashfield District Council, said the centre has “significantly outperformed original membership projections”.

Everyone Active’s Simon Morgan added: “The gym’s expansion will help us meet demand and support the health and wellbeing of all members.”

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Plans announced for new estate on allotments site

More than 80 homes could be built on a former allotment site.