A TEMPORARY swimming pool will be set up during the building of the new Andover Leisure Centre – if council plans are given the green light.

Test Valley Borough Council says it hopes to erect the temporary pool at Shepherds Spring Lane car park for 14 of the 18 months that the existing pool will be closed for.

The Advertiser understands the initial cost of the swimming pool will be in excess of £700,000.

Community and leisure portfolio holder, councillor Tony Ward, said: “We have been investigating the options for temporary swimming facilities since we announced the preferred contract bidder in November.

“We have listened to concerns from residents and acknowledge that the closure of the swimming pool will affect many groups, clubs and individuals.

“A planning application has been submitted to erect a temporary pool at Shepherds Spring Lane car park, and we are continuing to examine alternative options as well.

“If no viable alternative options are identified by the time a planning decision on the temporary pool is made, and if that decision is favourable, the council will proceed with the temporary pool.”

The council’s Northern Area Planning Committee will consider the application in due course.