Key leisure plan set to go ahead

A dispute between the centre plan and the local rugby club has been settled

Plans for a £13m leisure centre in Northamptonshire has been given the backing of councillors.

East Northamptonshire Council has backed the scheme for the Manor Park centre in Rushden.

The centre will have swimming pool, a four-court sports hall, dance and exercise studios, a health and fitness suite and theatre.

Last month the council settled a dispute over plans for the centre and the rugby club which shares the site.

East Northamptonshire Council decided to go ahead with the Manor Park project last week.

Councillor Sue Homer, vice-chairman of the council, said: "We've listened to what local people have said about the project, and major changes have been made to the designs.

"We have also agreed in principle an outline design at the Manor Park site that means the Rushden and Higham Rugby Club will be able to keep the first team pitch next to the clubhouse."