Shock rise in pool costs
The cost of Rugeley's new swimming pool has risen by more than half a million pounds after initial sums failed to take in all costs, it has been revealed.
Changes now include removing some toilets, showers, spectator seating, a separate schools entrance and equipment storage.
The approximate cost is still £560,000 more than first thought, pushing the total up from about £3.7million to more than £4.2million.
Cannock Chase Council is now considering a potential claim against the organisation involved in preparing the first study. It has not been named but the council stresses it was not SMC Charter Architects Ltd - now the lead consultant.
Councillor Mick Grocott, council leader for culture and sport, said: "It came about because the company that did the first, initial costings didn't get it right."
Cannock Chase Council's cabinet yesterday supported plans to apply for £200,000 from Sport England to help fund the project.
Councillor Grocott said the rest would be met by a partnership between Cannock and Staffordshire County Councils and Rugeley Endowment Trust. Cannock Chase Council will next week consider recommendations.
