A £40 million investment scheme that aims to improve wellness facilities will be considered by members of North Yorkshire Council.

Councillors will meet next Tuesday to consider a proposed leisure investment strategy aimed at promoting health and active communities across the county.

Cllr Simon Myers, executive member for culture, arts and housing said: “The proposed investment is set to represent a real watershed moment for us 

“It shows the commitment we have to making sure that everyone in North Yorkshire has the best opportunities possible to stay active or take up exercise to help to promote both physical and mental health and wellbeing. 

“There has been a great deal of work on these proposals to make sure that we can provide our leisure services as effectively as possible through the new Active North Yorkshire banner. 

“We will consider the plans carefully when they are presented to members of the council’s executive next week.” 

It aims to help encourage more people to lead active and healthy lifestyles as part of the council’s Active North Yorkshire service, launched last year.

£36 million of the investment would go towards key sites in Selby, Skipton, Pickering and Whitby to improve gym facilities, overhaul swimming pools, upgrade changing rooms, improve reception areas and work on accessible pool access for people with additional needs.

12 other leisure sites throughout North Yorkshire we see a £3 million boost to upgrade gym and fitness equipment.

The remaining £1 million, already approved at an executive meeting this month, will go towards essential repairs at two swimming pools in Richmond to ensure that they re-open to the public following a partial collapse of the ceiling in April.