A TRUST which has granted almost one million pounds to sports, arts and recreational projects in the South Lakes area in the last few years has closed.

The Trustees of Lakes Leisure have formally announced the closure of the organisation as all of the funds have now been distributed to the many projects across the region.

The purpose of the trust had been to support sports, arts and recreation in the South Lakeland community and it has been doing so since 2003.

When Lakes Leisure was originally formed it then managed the leisure centres in the South Lakeland area.

However, after the handover of the leisure contract from the South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) to North Country Leisure (NCL) the charitable trust then became a grant giving trust in 2015.

At that point they ceased any involvement with the SLDC and the assets at point of transfer were distributed back to the community in line with the aims and objectives of the trust.

Since then they have distributed nearly one million pounds worth of funds across the area, supporting projects such as the 3G pitch at Ulverston leisure centre and a new hockey pitch in Windermere.

Garry Ronson, company secretary for Lakes Leisure, said: “The trust has now ceased because all of the funds have been distributed into the community and trustees felt that they had satisfied their obligations.

“Trustees are proud to have provided a legacy of flagship investment to provide new sports facilities for the communities of Ulverston, Windermere, Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale.

“The trust has also supported a large number of smaller clubs with equipment and facilities to help grow their membership and extend participation.

“A wide range of sports, arts and community projects have benefited from Lakes Leisure grants including significant investment in disability schemes and children’s play areas.

“This investment will provide a lasting benefit to all awardees for many years.”

The disability schemes mentioned here includes the disabled cycling facilities that are now possible and in use at Ulverston and Kendal Leisure centres following grants awarded by the trust.

Other schemes that have benefitted from the trust include art facilities as well as the Scouting movement.

The trust also contributed to play schemes in the area and provided funds for play equipment at various sites in the South Lakes.