THE climbing wall at Swindon's Link Centre is to be closed to make way for a trampoline park, it has emerged.

Plans for the 1,200-sq metre park come less than a year after Swindon Borough Council handed over management of the Whitehill Way centre to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) and will operate under the firm's Better brand.

The firm says the move is part of a major £2million investment programme which will include new birthday party rooms and a refurbished café area.

It also said no staff would be lost in the change, with climbing wall workers being redeployed to similar roles at the trampoline park.

Paul Shearman, partnership manager for Better, said the concept was already popular in the US and emerging in the UK.

"The trampoline park will be one of the very first of its kind to launch in the UK," he said.

"We will be using the latest technology and equipment to provide some really exciting opportunities for the people of Swindon. 

"It will be open to everyone regardless of fitness levels, experience or age, with fully trained trampolining coaches on hand to provide expert help and advice.

“Trampolining provides significant cardiovascular benefits and enhances skills such as agility and balance, burning up to 1,000 calories in just one hour. As a low-impact workout, it also absorbs significant shock when exercising so is much easier on joints and well-suited for people recovering from injuries.”

But not everyone has welcomed the move.

Emma Millett said her children Verity, nine, and 13-year-old Charles had seen huge benefits since taking up the sport and it would be a shame if the 'fantastic' climbing wall closed.

"It's just such a shame," she said. "This will leave hundreds of local and not so local climbers unable to do their sport.

"Swindon has young climbers who compete in competitions throughout the UK and Europe. Our friend, Sharna King, who has just got back from Nepal, learnt to climb there. She inspired my kids to start climbing.

"My two kids have loved learning there as well. It's been brilliant for them to learn, keep fit and interact with such a high energy sport."

Mr Shearman added: "Our mission at Better is to help get more people, more active, more often and trampoline play is a unique, safe way for everyone to have fun, while at the same time gaining significant health and fitness benefits."

For more information visit www.better.org.uk.