ENERGY-SAVING lighting has been put in at Braintree swimming pool to help save cash and the planet.

Electricity-guzzling halogen lights above the pool have been replaced with LED lighting by Braintree Council and Fusion Lifestyle.

Council bosses say the move will save 20KW of electricity an hour and is part of its wider drive to tackle climate change.

Solar panels installed at Braintree Swimming and Fitness Centre in 2016 produce an average of more than 17,000kwh of electricity every month.

Council health and well-being boss Peter Tattersley said: “We all need to make changes to help tackle climate change and that’s why we are pleased to have replaced our old lighting at the pool with LED lighting.

“Not only is the lighting great for swimmers and staff, but it also means we can cut back on our energy use, which is really important as the lights are on for around 10 hours a day.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Braintree Council's Peter Tattersley Braintree Council's Peter Tattersley (Image: Braintree Council)

LED lighting is being looked at for other centres across the district.

Fusion Lifestyle chief Anthony Cawley said: “We are working hard to ensure all our centres are as energy efficient as possible to help the environment.”

The council is also urging residents to think about switching to LED lighting at home to help cut electricity bills.

Environment boss Wendy Schmitt said: “Replacing standard light bulbs to LED light bulbs at home would not only save energy but reduce energy bills too.

“Some energy providers will also supply free LED light bulbs to their customers so do check with your provider.

“If you do decide to replace your current light bulbs, your local household recycling centre will be able to recycle the old bulbs.”