Security measures aimed at beating the vandals have been unveiled as a key part of the £8.85million redevelopment of the Central Park swimming pool in Harold Hill.

With preliminary works due to get underway on Monday, the Gooshays Drive site is set to be transformed beyond recognition over the next two years.

Among the brand-new facilities being provided as part of the development, which is due to open in December 2004, are:

A sports hall with four badminton courts

A state-of-the-art gym with 50 stations

An outdoor multi-use games area

A health suite

Wet and dry changing areas

In addition, an entirely new swimming complex will be built. This will feature a six-lane 25-metre pool and a separate learner pool.

Once the new sports centre is in operation, the existing eight-lane pool - which has been targeted by stone-throwing vandals over the years - will be demolished.

Recent months have also seen the standard of lighting in the car park criticised by the Havering Sports Council, which claimed not enough was being done to protect vehicles left while their owners enjoy a swim.

Havering Council's leisure and cultural services manager, Guy Selfe, said that in view of the past history of the site attention had been given to designing out crime when planning the new development.

He said the council acknowledged that security had been an issue in the past, adding: "To reduce vandalism, CCTV cameras will be installed inside and outside the new centre, shrubs will be planted at appropriate places, and shatter-proof windows will be used.

In addition, there will be appropriate standards of lighting around the car park."

Published Wednesday, January 22, 2003

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