SOARING energy costs have forced the closure of saunas and steam rooms at New Forest leisure centres.

Freedom Leisure, which runs centres on behalf of the district council, said the facilities would be shut over the winter.

The not-for-profit trust said its energy costs were rising at an "alarming rate".

It added that "difficult decisions" were having to be made and warned it may have to consider other ways of cutting costs.

The closure of saunas and steam rooms at Applemore, Totton, New Milton and Lymington leisure centres will be reviewed in the spring.

In a statement Freedom Leisure said: "These facilities use a significant amount of energy and closing them even for a short period of time will go a long way towards reducing our overall energy consumption."

The not-for-profit organisation runs more than 100 leisure centres across the country.

It is reported to have closed swimming pools in Milton Keynes and Rye, East Sussex, as well as implementing a "small reduction" in the water temperature of its swimming pools.

Last month the trust said its annual energy bill had risen from £8m to £20m.

Earlier this month Swim England warned more than 100 pools across the country were under threat as result of soaring energy bills.

Industry leaders are calling for immediate support to avoid a raft of closures. 

Jane Nickerson, Swim England's chief executive, said it would be an "absolute tragedy" if the situation was allowed to deteriorate further.

She added: “Pools and leisure centres are vital parts of the community, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages. 

"They help reduce pressure on the NHS and social care system, saving more than £350m a year – as well as being a place where people of all ages can learn a skill that could one day save their life. 

"However, they are particularly vulnerable to the rising energy prices as we are seeing now with increased closures and service reductions. 

"Our fear is that more than 100 pools are under threat in the next six months. 

"That would be a devastating blow for the millions who rely on being active in the water for their physical and mental health.

"Without additional support, the situation will only deteriorate further which would be an absolute tragedy.” 

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