A NEW climbing wall is opening at Upton Community Centre in Widnes in time for the summer holidays.

It will provide the opportunity for a new experience, through supervised sessions for children of all ages and adults.

Staff are being trained to supervise the climbing and this training will be extended to other adult volunteers in the near future, to maximise use of the wall.

Anyone wanting to use the wall will have to attend induction training before use.

The climbing wall is part of Halton Council’s programme of improvements at the centre, which has already benefitted from wi-fi and a hearing loop system.

In the coming months, there will be a new IT suite in the café which the local community can either drop in and use, or attend sessions to develop IT skills.

The café and toilets are also set to be refurbished.

Halton Clr Phil Harris, board member for community centres, said: ‘’In addition to the ongoing modernisation of the Upton Community Centre for a range of age groups, the climbing wall is intended to offer a new sports challenge to local young people and parents who want to have a go.

“This is on top of the range of summer sports activities being run across Halton for young and older alike. Despite reduced resources we are still investing in community services where we can.

“The new IT suite will improve access to the internet for those without a computer and encourage more people to try out Halton libraries and other leisure and educational activities.

“The refurbished café will help to improve the service to visitors to the centre, particularly during the day and mid-week.”

There will also be taster sessions at the centre for a variety of sports throughout the summer.

For full details of the programme please contact the centre on 0151 511 6161 or visit halton.gov.uk.