SOME people seem to have misunderstood the plans to redevelop Darwen Leisure Centre. After extensive consultation with users and the public, and the production of a report by independent experts, the three most requested items were a larger pool, gym and more car parking.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is allowed to borrow £9million for the scheme. Spending on top of this would have to be raised via council tax.

A £14million scheme on another site, for example, would mean about £170 would have to be added to everyone's council tax bill.

Many people petitioned for a 50metre Olympic size pool. Swimming clubs, experts and Labour councillors wanted a 25m x 8 lane pool.

More recently, Lib-Dem Councillor Karimeh Foster and users such as George Hill and Bill Stemp wanted to see the current 25 yard pool retained and refurbished, whilst Conservative Councillor Alan Cottam said people wanted a 25m x 6 lane pool.

Many people lobbied for a sauna/health suite. A sauna is included in the plans as is the retention/relocation of the stone portico frontage.

As recommended by experts a 25m x 8 lane pool is to be built, large enough to be split to cater for serious and casual swimmers as well as providing for competitions and training including for those who currently have to travel outside the borough.

Because of this larger pool, gym, learner pool, health suite and other facilities such as aerobics/karate space, there is little space left for a sports hall.

A small hall can be built, but this would mean no car parking and because of the sloping site would cost £1.5million - £2million more than the £9million allowed.

However, in partnership with Vale School and Blackburn Rovers, the council won a large grant to help build a new sports hall at Vale to complement Darwen Vale Community Leisure Centre. The hall will be open from 8am to 10pm and cater extensively for community use. This is due for completion in November 2007.

In addition, another new sports hall, large all-weather pitch and computer/arts/crafts facilities will be built as part of the Darwen Academy School adjacent to the town centre at the bottom of Redearth Road.

There will be some short-term disruption, but once completed Darwen will have the best sports and leisure facilities in the area. It is difficult to understand why some people would be against such a fantastic opportunity as this.

COUNCILLOR NIGEL NUTTALL (Sunnyhurst Ward). Harwood Street, Darwen.