A MULTI-MILLION pound plan to build a new swimming pool in Haslingden is hanging in the balance.

Rossendale Council leader Alyson Barnes has highlighted concerns about the cost of the £5.6million transformation of the leisure facilities at Marl Pits together with the building of a new swimming pool at Haslingden Sports Centre.

Under the orginal plans nailed down by the Conservative party, building should have begun back in May but it was halted because of problems with the foundation plans for the new swimming pool site.

Costing of the scheme also highlighted that an overspend of £2million had arisen from having to install steel piles to secure the building’s structure.

Coun Barnes said: “I think it is fantastic there is going to be a significant investment in leisure facilities in the Valley and we are committed in seeing those through.

“The developments at Marl Pits will be going ahead.

“However I do have deep seated concerns about the cost of building a new swimming pool in Haslingden.

“When it comes to public money I really believe we should see value for money.

“This new plan takes away the pool side spectator area, the sauna and steam room, extended parking, the spa and treatment area and a specialist exercise fitness room. This means we will be spending more than £3million on a basic facility and to me that is not value for money.”

The plans have now been put on ice for further costing implications.