A DEVICE to aid people with mobility issues to enjoy swimming at Chirk Leisure Centre has been upgraded.

A hoist has been installed in the pool at the centre, as well as one at Waterworld in Wrexham, to replace previous devices that have helped lower people into the water.

Andy Harris, regional manager (Wales) at Freedom Leisure – which operates the centre for Wrexham County Borough Council – said it was essential to get the equipment upgraded.

He said: “We are delighted to bring two new pool hoists to our facilities at Waterworld and Chirk.

"This essential equipment creates an opportunity for any customers that have mobility issues to access our pools and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that swimming provides.”

These hoists have replaced ones that were there previously but have now been upgraded because of the age of equipment.

The hoists were funded by Wrexham County Borough Council and Freedom Leisure.

All poolside staff and duty managers have been trained in their use, ensuring that they will always be available while the centres are open.

Councillor Beverley Parry Jones, Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti-Poverty and leisure, added: “It’s important to ensure that our leisure facilities have friction free access to anyone who wishes to use them.”