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£150k refurbishment for Black Country swimming pool

A swimming baths is to undergo a £150,000 refurbishment in the latest move to transform leisure centres in Walsall.

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Darlaston Leisure Centre will undergo refurbishment to spruce up the building when cash is secured by Walsall Council.

It comes as Oak Park and Bloxwich leisure centres are to be rebuilt and Walsall Gala Baths transformed in a bid to improve facilities across the borough.

Darlaston's pool in Victoria Road is near 15 years old but a revamp, subject to cash being available in next year's budget, will restore tired areas, refresh facilities and upgrade maintenance.

Leisure chief councillor Khizar Hussain said: "The scheme represents a refit and cosmetic uplift of Darlaston Swimming Pool, which will be 15 years old next year.

"The proposal covers a range of works typical to a facility that age; the intention is to freshen the centre's appearance, improve some facilities that are approaching the end of their life and address some underlying maintenance issues.

"This scheme is part of Walsall Council's ongoing commitment to improving leisure facilities including the rebuilding of Oak Park and Bloxwich leisure centres and the proposals to invest in Walsall Gala Baths.

"This will help achieve the council's goal of getting more people, more active, more often."

The main Walsall Gala Baths is poised to get a £1 million makeover after plans were revived - despite the need to make millions of savings in the next year.

Firm plans are now being drawn up and are set to include a changing village, sauna room, extended fitness suite and pool improvements.

The prospect of transforming the outdated Tower Street site, which dates back more 50 years, was first raised last year.

But the former Conservative-led council then revealed it was looking at the option of replacing the Gala Baths and creating a new swimming pool and multi-storey car park complex.

However, the now controlling Labour group is looking to maintain the building as part of the 2015/16 budget.

The new leisure centres at Oak Park and Bloxwich form part of a £24m scheme to create modern facilities across the borough. Work is starting in the coming months and it is hoped they will both be fully operational in 2016.

Multi-lane pools and a range of fitness equipment are planned as part of the ambitious projects.

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