AN AGREEMENT from the Welsh Government to provide money for a new swimming pool in Monmouth is “almost there”, Monmouthshire councillors were told.

Deputy council leader Cllr Bob Greenland said “enormous work” has taken place - led by the authority’s Simon Kneafsey as part of its 21st Century Schools programme - and that he is hopeful funding from the Welsh Government would give half the money required to bring the town's new pool up to educational standards.

In a report to members, council officers recommended £6 million is spent on a 25 metre, four lane pool which will be located adjacent to the town's leisure centre and incorporated into Monmouth Comprehensive School's £36 million redevelopment.

The building housing the pool would include a sauna and a steam room which would cover approximately 1,085 square metres.

The report was in response to a further call for proposals from members in July. Further costing will be carried out to see whether a six lane pool is possible.

Cabinet member for children and young people Cllr Liz Hacket Pain said: “(The pool is) vitally important to the people of Monmouth and options to do nothing and remove the pool are certainly not on the agenda.

“We don’t want to hold up the planning permission because of worry the school would be delayed and that is not an option.”

While Osbaston councillor Bob Haywood said he thought a six lane pool is “vastly preferable” but recognised “there isn’t a bottomless pit” of funds.

But one councillor was unimpressed.

Cllr Val Smith said: “It’s not the scheme this member would have liked to have seen: I aspire for a 50 metre pool. You may laugh but things are possible if you have ambition.

“We could have done better and been more imaginative for the future.”

The pool requires replacement because it will be unable to fully meet the needs, standards and regulations of a sporting facility in a few years, Mr Kneafsey said.

Currently it is used by the comprehensive school’s pupils, eight primary schools and three other primary schools outside Monmouthshire.

When the current pool is closed for approximately a year for the school’s rebuild, the council hopes the pool at Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls will be used as a temporary replacement.