Work is to start this month on a £823,000 energy-saving programme for Fenland’s four leisure centres.

Councillor Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council Cabinet member responsible for finance, said: “Doing nothing at our centres is not an option. Much of the plant and equipment has reached or is reaching the end of its useful life. Not replacing it means the costs will inevitably escalate.

Inefficient or worn-out heating, lighting and ventilation equipment is being replaced by energy-efficient plant and solar panels.

The resulting cuts in energy costs are expected to make net savings of up to £1.4 million over the next 20 years.

The “invest to save” project is being delivered by Bouygues, a private company that has surveyed the centres and identified a number of key measures to cut energy costs. It has guaranteed to deliver the reductions in energy use.

Councillor Michelle Tanfield, the Cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: “Everyone who uses the centres will benefit from having better lighting and heating and from the more efficient use of energy. This major investment reflects our determination to provide the best possible service to all our customers.”

The installation work is expected to be completed by the autumn.

It is estimated that the £823,000 capital investment in the plant and equipment will break even within 14 years and then go on to make significant ongoing revenue savings

Cllr Seaton said: “Installing this equipment will give us immediate financial savings each year. Also, the company has guaranteed that energy use will be reduced as part of the contract, so if they fail to deliver that, they will pay the price for that.”