SWIMMERS say they could be missing out on top level competition because the pool they use is too short.

Now a steering group is to be formed to monitor the requirements of swimmers in Darwen and draw up proposals for the future.

Pat Connoll, secretary of Darwen Swimming Club, said talented youngsters were finding competing at a top level hard because Darwen Leisure Centre pool is 25 yards long - about six feet shorter than the competition standard 25 metres required for Amateur Swimming Association competitions.

The pool also needs more lanes in addition to the existing four which are inadequate for both training and competitions.

She said: "We have some first class swimmers who are doing very well at competition level but they are not achieving their full potential.

"When competing, the swimmers start very well but we can see them fading towards the end of a race because they are used to training in a shorter pool. "If we get a longer pool not only would the facilities at the leisure centre be improved, there would be a possibility of hosting competitions and generating revenue for the centre."

Mrs Connoll said swimmers were having to travel to Horwich to swim in a full length pool.

John Forshaw, head of leisure services for Blackburn Council said there were no immediate plans to submit grant bids for a pool extension, although a second grant application was being prepared for other aspects of the leisure centre.

However he said: "Many people involved in swimming are being called together with a view to producing a development plan for swimming.

"One of the aspects they will be looking at will be improvement of facilities.

"If extending the Darwen pool is a priority they highlight then a report would be prepared and put to a meeting of the council."

Mr Forshaw added that before any pool extension could take place a feasibility study of the leisure centre would need to take place to see if the foundations could support the development.

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