Public leisure centres in Oxford have secured £10.9 million investment to cut carbon deploying low carbon heating technology.

The upgrade work in facilities, including swimming pools and ice rinks will see heat pump installations replacing gas boilers.

The heat pumps are forecast to reduce carbon emissions from the council’s operations by around 21%.

The scheme is part of the city council’s plan to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.

Official data suggests leisure centres contribute around 40% of the local authority’s carbon footprint.

Councillor Tom Hayes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon Oxford, said: “These works will reduce Oxford City Council’s own carbon footprint by more than a quarter which is vital as we work towards a zero carbon council, and a zero carbon Oxford.”