A CROSS-party group of councillors will review the decision to create a new £12million leisure centre and close the existing swimming pool in a historic building.

Hyndburn Council's proposal for the new complex at Wilsons Playing Fields in Clayton-le-Moors to replace the swimming pool and gym in Mercer Hall has been deeply controversial.

Great Harwood Labour councillors Noordad Aziz, Scott Brerton and Colin McKenzie have challenged the decision to proceed with the scheme taken by the authority's cabinet last month.

On Tuesday a special meeting of the council's Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee will look again at the proposal.

The Labour councillors led by Overton's Cllr McKenzie want to overturn the decision which is a key part of the Hyndburn Leisure Transformation strategy.

But council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson and the Hyndburn Leisure Trust, which will deliver the scheme, have reaffirmed their backing for the proposal.

Cllr McKenzie said: "Despite repeated requests, the costs for repairing Mercer Hall were never published.

"The pool could be fixed and reopened, or it might be repurposed altogether. If there is to be a new pool, it should be in Harwood. Clayton and Altham are blighted by access issues, traffic congestion and pollution, all of which will be worsened by this project.

"Sport England have fiercely objected to the Wilsons plan, saying it endangers the existing sports provision. Lancashire County Council have also objected, due to the lack drainage. Yet the Conservative and Independent coalition, led by Cllr Parkinson, has ploughed on regardless.

"Where is the money coming from? This council will be squandering public money on Wilsons Playing Field that would be better spent elsewhere."

Hyndburn Leisure Trust Chief Executive Lyndsey Sims said: “The Wilsons leisure proposal is a fantastic opportunity for Hyndburn residents.

"At a time when many councils are having to make difficult decisions to close facilities and disinvest in leisure, it’s great to see Hyndburn Council’s commitment to providing high quality, accessible leisure and sport facilities, that will help local people to live healthy, active lifestyles for decades to come.

"An independent report in March highlights that the cost to refurbish Mercer Hall would exceed costs to build a new facility at Wilsons Playing Fields.

"Mercer Hall is not suitable, or large enough, to accommodate the proposed requirement.

"A number of sites in Great Harwood were considered, but none were deemed suitable.

"The objection by Sport England planners is not uncommon for a project of this scale."

Cllr Parkinson said: "I am confident the proposals will stand further scrutiny and bring benefits to the people of Clayton-le-Moors and Altham. It is an outstanding achievement of Hyndburn Leisure to bring forward new leisure facilities for the borough when other areas are closing them."