Liverpool City Council has risen to the challenge of providing healthy snacks in leisure centres by calling in vending operator Springbank Industries.

With over 2.5 million customers, spread across 16 sites, Liverpool's leisure centres' vending machines currently dispense over 1 million products per annum. However, with rising obesity levels LLC felt that the choice of traditional confectionery, fizzy drinks, chocolate and crisps had to be tackled. Springbank was approached to help roll out the council's reinvestment programme and provide alternative healthy options.

They are now working through an upgrade plan on existing sites and launch new premium bean to cup coffee and healthier snack facilities encompassed in new shopfitting designs.

LCC will be launching the latest vending equipment at their £5m leisure centre in Walton. Alsop Community Sports Centre houses a 25m swimming pool, Lifestyles fitness suite including gym and sports hall, and will be home to the new blueprint for vending within Liverpool leisure.

The Council's roll out programme to improve facilities and re-invest in leisure sites will provide the region with premium Fairtrade coffee facilities and healthier alternative snack machines focused on a fresh fruit range of bags, pots, juices and smoothies.

This will be mixed with the re-branding of existing sites to create fully automated retail outlets with a balance of healthy products in inviting surroundings, along with quality seating.