LEDBURY'S revamped swimming pool at Lawnside is on target to be unveiled to the public by the middle of May, by which time the final bill will have topped more than £2.6m.

This is one month later than the original given schedule, and £500,000 more than the original budget.

But the extra spending is down to a windfall from Sport England, to help modernise the changing rooms.

The pool and leisure complex is run by Halo on behalf of Herefordshire Council, and the building has undergone what is has been essentially a top to bottom rebuild.

Halo spokesman, Alex Haines said: "Halo’s renovation team are continuing to give the local Halo leisure facilities in Ledbury a work out in terms of upgrading and extending the gym and exercise studio, remodelling the reception and changing facilities and building a new sauna and steam room.

“This is an ambitious development which can benefit everyone in the local community. Passers by will have seen for themselves that the building project is progressing well and we are planning to unveil the new look centre mid May.”

Mr Haines added: "When we have shown the fitness teams around the site they are really excited especially by the scale of the new gym area which is considerably bigger than the original fitness suite. All the building work and upheaval will be worth it and we are confident that the improvements will encourage existing and new members to get more active more often”

Sport England awarded £500,000 of National Lottery funding to help Ledbury Swimming Pool transform its facilities. The money is being used to modernise changing facilities.

Mr Haines said: "The new village style changing rooms will offer more flexibility for families and school groups, as well as being more accommodating for disability swimmers and centre users.

"We are are confident that the new facilities will encourage more local people to build physical activity into their daily lives"

He said: "“The Sport England funding means we are currently investing in the region of £2.63m into the facility."