TWO councils are to carry out a review to thrash out the future of swimming facilities in Dorchester.

West Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council are to create a working group looking at how facilities in the town can be improved.

The move comes after plans for a new pool at Poundbury were all but ruled out last summer because of a lack of funding from West Dorset.

The district council recommended the scheme be put on hold for at least three years.

Dorchester's current pool at the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre is nearing the end of its useful life. The district is proposing to work together with bosses at County Hall to come to a long-term solution.

In a report to West Dorset's executive committee today community enabling manager Nick Thornley urged the district to appoint two members to the working group which is expected to meet for around a year.

Mr Thornley, who was previously known as leisure and tourism manager, said: "Although neither the county council nor the district council have capital funds available at the present time, there is an acceptance by both local authorities that a number of issues remain to be resolved.

"The Thomas Hardye facility is approaching the end of its useful life, there is a need for improved swimming facilities for the people of Dorchester and surrounding area and the Thomas Hardye School has an urgent need for additional dry sports space for its pupils.

"The leader, chief executive and director of community development attended a recent meeting at the school to discuss the last issue.

"There are no obvious or easy solutions."

Representatives from Thomas Hardye School, the Duchy of Cornwall and Dorchester Town Council will also be asked to join the group.

There was disappointment in Dorchester when the scheme for Poundbury failed to materialise in the way people hoped.

West Dorset councillors agreed to hold talks with other interested parties when they met in December and have now decided to launch the working party.