A new 50m swimming pool is to be built in Corby after councillors gave the green light to the recently-modified development.

Original plans for the site had centred on a 25m facility, but a recent change in direction has settled on a 50m option.

Corby Borough Council will fund the £18m project, which is due to commence early in 2007 and will be part of a new civic hub which will include an arts centre and new library.

Councillor Pat Fawcett, leader of the council, said: “I’m delighted we’ve had the courage to go for a 50m pool. “We’ve had great support and it shows how ambitious and forward-thinking we are in Corby.”

Meanwhile, the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) is calling for £100m of investment in new swimming pools, especially 50m, long course facilities. Details: www.britishswimming.org

ASA facilities officer, Noel Winter said: “We are in dire need of more 50m pools in this country. They’re not just for elite athletes. They would offer a real legacy to a public which is continually asked to become fitter and healthier but lacks pool space.

“Across the country there are plans to build new pools, but they won’t see the light of day because of a lack of investment.”

Winter added: “The statistics show that 50m pools get more use than 25m facilities.”