Renovation plans for the Deepings Leisure Center could see the learners’ pool removed to make way for larger gym facilities.

South Kesteven District Council will spend £10.7million to upgrade the sports center after it closed in July last year.

The proposals are now open to the public and include a 25 meter six lane pool with a movable floor to make it suitable for all levels and water activities.

The current learner pool would be removed to make way for a 150-seat gallery, two fitness studios, a four-court gym and a larger sports hall.

A council spokesperson said: “South Kesteven District Council is committed to providing leisure facilities that our customers can be proud of, enabling them to lead healthy lives by participating in a wide range of activities. “

The council is holding an online consultation, but a number of Deepings advisers have set up their own independent investigation.

Councilor Ashley Baxter (Ind – Market and West Deeping) said: “These major works at the leisure center are expected to last for the next 25 years. It is essential that the community has a proper opportunity to influence the way the money is spent.

“This investigation is, at best, a joke and, at worst, a slap in the face for the Deepings.

“Incredibly, the council’s proposal to revamp the pool will actually reduce the amount of space and water available for swimmers.

“Everyone I know thinks it’s ridiculous to remove the learner pool and many think the proposed number of gym stations is excessive, but the survey does not attempt to gather people’s opinions on these issues. .

“The questions are essentially asking for validation of what the board was told by its remote advisers.”

The municipal survey is available on www.deepingsleisure-consultation.co.uk with printed copies available at Deepings Library and Bourne and Stamford Leisure Centres.

The independent survey is available here.

Both are available until February 28.

The council plans to start construction in January 2023 and open the new facilities by January 2025.