THE newly-elected chairman of Mid Devon District Council paid a visit to Mid Devon's Lords Meadow Leisure Centre to view recent improvements made to facilities.

Councillor John Berry toured the facilities and tried out some of the machinery following a meeting with centre manager, Lee Chester.

Mid Devon District Council has invested more than £250,000 improving the fitness studios at the leisure centre, where it has created an environment designed to promote a healthier lifestyle.

There has been extensive redevelopment of the fitness facilities during recent months and the results are stunning.

There has been an increase in the floor area and an open plan design has created a fresh, modern, vibrant feel.

There is a wide array of new workout equipment. The machines are hi-tech beyond belief and there are also facilities to watch tv channels, check Facebook, Twitter, listen to music, track your progress on apps on your plugged in mobile phone and so much more.

There are x-trainers, adaptive motion trainers and lateral trainers, to name just a few of the machines.

There is also new air conditioning and music facilities and so much more.

Lee explained that users were "very happy" with the improvements and said that anyone interested in joining would be given a four-part induction to familiarise themselves with the centre and equipment.

He spoke about the consultation process, the retention of the sports hall and some of the new classes available.

Shaun Gorman, newly-appointed gym manager, said that mixed suppliers of gym equipment meant that there was a wider range of equipment available for users than could be found at a private gym and the facilities were available at a more attractive cost.

He said some equipment, such as the Trickster bikes, were such modern equipment that they are at the forefront being a local authority establishment.

Cllr Berry said: "I would like to congratulate all those who have helped to improve the facilities at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre.

"There is a brilliant atmosphere with incredible, modern equipment and the Centre is a credit to Mid Devon District Council."

Alan Quick