Luton gymnastics club appeals for help to improve the centre's ventilation and lighting

A gymnastics club in Luton is investing almost £100,000 in a new ventilation and lighting system necessary to improve the measures already taken to make the SALTO Centre Covid-19 secure.

SALTO Gymnastics Club received an award of £50,000 from Sport England under its Return to Play, Community Asset Fund and a £5,000 pledge from the Low Carbon Workplace fund, which recognised the environmental and energy saving aspects of the project.

Work on the improvements has already started and now the club, which is celebrating 25 years since forming as a charity, has set up a crowdfunder appeal to secure the final element of funding to complete the project.

The club is asking members, the wider community and local business to support this campaign and help them reach the target to fund all the elements of the project.

Carl Richardson, trustee at SALTO Gymnastics Club, said: “We are grateful for the funding awards to date.

"This is a major investment in the future health and wellbeing for the children and young people of Luton and the surrounding towns and villages whom we serve.

"We have taken advantage of the recent lockdown to press on with this project and install the new lighting.”

They are hoping to work through this difficult time with the aim to return to pre-COVID activities to operate seven days a week, 50 weeks a year to registered members.

The club delivers a range of gymnastics classes, drop-in sessions, gym camps, birthday parties, competitions and coach education.

Claire Fitzboydon, director, teamBEDS&LUTON, Active Partnership, said: “We are delighted to support Salto Gymnastics Club with their successful £50,000 grant application to Sport England for this project.

"Salto are an integral part of the Luton sporting community landscape, providing terrific experiences for children and young people across Luton and the surrounding areas.

"The project will further enhance experiences for these audiences and improve the long-term sustainability of the Club"

David Crookes , Hertfordshire Energy Adviser, said: “The Low Carbon Workspaces team are happy to have been able to offer support.

"The project will not only cut the bills and carbon emissions of the gym, but will also improve the visitor experience for its members.”

To make a donation to the crowdfunder appeal visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/air-heat-light-salto-revival-scheme