A NEW swimming pool will be built at Eversley Leisure Centre while another in Billericay will be extended.

Basildon Council met on Wednesday night to discuss the best options for the new pools.

Councillors approved officers’ recommendations to focus on extending Billericay Swimming Pool, rather than rebuilding it.

A fire at the swimming pool in September last year means renovation work is already underway.

The £9m budget is expected to be split with about £6million spent in Billericay, about £2million on the Pitsea pool but the chance of new pool in Laindon was dismissed.

However plans to extend and repair the pool in Billericay, rather than build a new facility goes against the results of a public consultation which came out in favour of a new pool.

Councillor Kevin Blake said: “What concerns me, deeply concerns me, is that we decided to consult with the public.

“The public have come back and want a new build, it clearly says that, now we are saying no.

“Councillor Ferguson said we have to listen to the public regarding Pitsea, so why are we not listening to the public in Billericay.

“Why have we decided to change our mind and not go down the avenue of listening to what they say.

“It has already been shut for a year, I do not agree with the recommendation, we should be going for a rebuild.

“If we do go down the avenue of refurbishing the new one, we need to know if the swimming pool will be shut for a period of time.”

New facilities would include a training pool, fitness centre and improved car park.

Speaking about the Pitsea pool, Councillor David Harrison said: “My view is quite clear, I think Eversley is the right place. The facilities in Eversley are becoming first class and will continue to improve. I think it is a good place for a swimming pool. We need to be looking at the type of pool, sizes, and we need to consult people on what they want, not where they want it.”