Swimming pool plans put on hold

Plans for a new swimming pool have been put on hold by a Lincolnshire council so it can consider other options.

West Lindsey District Council has suspended work on a £4.1m scheme for a four-lane 25m pool for Market Rasen.

Council leader Bernard Theobald said the delay would allow the council to look for private sector partners for a lido spa or a leisure centre.

"We only have one opportunity to get this right and I am determined to try and make sure we do," Mr Theobald said.

"What the new council is now proposing is drawing in commercial partners to give this development real meaning and to give Market Rasen something it can really be proud of."

Ambitious plans

The spa lido would include a pool with a retractable roof, fitness gym, health suite, tennis courts and sports injury clinic along with a café and hotel.

A leisure centre would involve a gym, three tennis courts, youth centre, skate park and community hall.

Mr Theobald said: "Both of these schemes could bring real quality and value to the project and offer so much more than just building a very basic pool for what is an awful lot of money.

"I know the people of Market Rasen must wonder if the pool will ever come to fruition but if I and my colleagues can deliver my ambition I know that everyone will believe it has been worth the wait."

The council transferred from Liberal Democrat to Conservative control after the local elections in May.