Castle Point Council today revealed it is to splash out £1 million over the next five years to bring Canvey's leisure centre up to scratch.

An in-depth survey has revealed that Waterside Farm in Somnes Avenue needs a major overhaul with electrical work and a new water boiler at the top of the list.

The money will come from the current budget which already sets aside £200,000 each year for maintenance. That cash will instead be channelled into a focused five-year plan of action.

The sports centre is expected to stay open while the bulk of the work is carried out, but the replacement boiler may be installed during the Christmas break when the pool usually shuts down for maintenance work.

Councillor Dave Blackwell, chairman of leisure and amenities, stressed that while the work was necessary, it did not mean the 1970s sports centre was unsafe.

He said: "It is not the case that the swimming pool will fall through the floor, if work is not done immediately. The structure itself is sound. We are mainly looking at electrical work and a new boiler system.

"This is the most detailed survey ever to be carried out by the council, giving us a planned maintenance schedule for the next five years. We have basically been told that we need to spend some money."

Mr Blackwell added: "The leisure centre, as it stands, is not dangerous in any way. If there was any problem over health and safety, we would either spend the money immediately or close it down if we could not find the funds.

"We would never compromise public safety. The case is that we have identified problems and a list of works has been drawn up to work on over the next five years."

Labour leader, councillor Dave Wells, said the work would improve the facilities for those who use the centre.

He said: "What we aim to do is to raise the standards of our facilities for the residents of Castle Point, to encourage them to use the centre more."

Around £60,000 will also be spent replacing the suspended ceiling and poolside tiles at Runnymede swimming pool in Runnymede Chase, Benfleet.

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