Councillors have hit back at critics attacking the new Central Park Pool in Harold Hill saying things are going 'swimmingly'.

Havering Council has promised the near £10m baths will open two months ahead of schedule in November meaning a seamless transfer from the old building to the new one.

Havering Council's lead member for culture, Cllr Andrew Curtin believes this is very important to the many clubs who not only use Central Park pool but the other pools around the borough.

Cllr Curtin dismissed allegations that the council was overspending unwisely on the project which was set to cost £9.2m when it started last summer. The council says additional spending was needed to make improvements before the grand opening.

He explained: "Eagle-eyed officers spotted that there could be an overspend of £500,000 because of needed improvements which were identified as the work was ongoing.

"This was discussed by councillors at a cabinet meeting and they decided to spend the additional money to make sure the pool was done right.

"The most pleasing thing for me is that the building work is ahead of schedule and looks set to be ready to open in November. You could say it's all going swimmingly

"What this means is one day the old baths can close and the following day the new ones can open and stay open while the former pool is demolished."

Published Thursday August 26, 2004

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