Leisure centres boosted by Olympic effect

The 2012 London Olympic Games have left a lasting legacy in Midlothian – with customer number of users at sports and leisure centres increasing over the summer.

The number of people visiting a leisure centre in the area has increased significantly from April to September 2012 compared with the same time last year.

Swimmers seem to have caught the Sean Fraser bug, with pool usage up by over 8000 compared with the same period last year.

Leisure centres also saw usage increase – by more than 1000 on the same time last year.

Income from sports and leisure is also up by more than £120,000.

The figures cover the pre-build up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games - as well as post event momentum.

Councillor Bob Constable, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure, said: “These figures are very promising and there seems to be a rise in the amount of people taking part in sporting activities which could be linked to London 2012.”