NEWS that Ledbury Swimming Pool is to undergo a £2.3m refurbishment, starting next summer, seems to finally close the lid on the idea of a superstore being built at Lawnside.

The building of a superstore, as proposed by PLK Properties, would have entailed the demolition and rebuilding of the pool elsewhere.

But Philip King of PLK Properties said last week:"We are no longer proposing a supermarket on the site of the swimming pool. The market changed significantly and Halo needed to get on with their refurbishment plans."

A few days later, on Friday, November 13, and for the first time, Halo Leisure announced a firm time-table for the extensive Ledbury swimming pool makeover.

The pool is run by Halo Leisure, in partnership with Herefordshire Council.

Scott Rolfe, Halos's Chief Executive Officer said it was "Ledbury’s turn for multi million leisure makeover".

An estimated £2.3 million will be spent on a refurbishment of the facilities at Ledbury’s swimming pool, "with work starting next summer, to be completed by April 2017".

Halo has already spent some £7.5 million transforming their facilities in Bromyard, Hereford, Leominster and Ross.

Mr Rolfe said: "The facilities at Ledbury swimming pool and the thousands of local people who use it have long been a priority for the leisure group.

"Halo wants to see not only a refurbishment of the pool area, and its spectator area, but a new larger gym, work out studio to support group exercise classes and personal training, spa facilities and a new family-friendly changing village, similar to the recent development at the Halo site in Ross-On-Wye."

Mr Rolfe added: “We want visitors to Ledbury to enjoy top notch facilities which reflect our vision of creating healthier communities, – our mission to see more people more active more often."

Cllr Harry Bramer, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for contracts and assets said: "This is great news for the people of Ledbury and indeed the people of Herefordshire, after the fear of closure of the pool over recent years.

"It is exciting to now be able to look to the future and to the benefits this new leisure facility will bring to the community."

Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Annette Crowe said: "This is very good news. The pool does need a lot done to it, and it will be a great community asset when it is completed."