A NEW state-of-the-art swimming pool facility for Dorchester has been delayed by six months.

Steve Rooks, vice chairman of West Dorset Warriors Swimming Club, says news of the delay until the revamped Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre is completed is ‘frustrating’ for himself and young swimmers at the club.

A report considered by West Dorset District Council’s executive committee reveals the date of completion for the project – which is being delivered in partnership with Dorset County Council and the Thomas Hardye School – has slipped back from May 2011 till November 2011.

It states the delay has been due to uncertainties over a ‘key external funding source’ for the new £8million centre and a re-think of the project to include a new sports hall on the site of the existing leisure centre.

Mr Rooks said: “It’s a shame, I think all the kids have been looking forward to it and thinking it’s not too far away.

“It will be a huge boost for the club, we have got a waiting list for swimmers and we simply can’t accommodate any more.

“Going from four lanes to six will enable us to increase our capacity by half again and it gives us scope to hold more competitions in Dorchester.”

Mr Rooks, who has been involved in the club for 12 years, said the feelings of elation felt when West Dorset District Council’s planning permission approved the scheme in November last year have since given way to a sense of frustration.

He said: “We came away from the planning meeting on quite a high and thought it would be quite quick off the ground and would be finished after a 12-month build and it’s just not happening.

“We are very much looking forward to it but it’s very frustrating as well. At least we know it is going to happen.”

Mr Rooks said the club holds an annual meet in December that normally has to be held in Bridport because it cannot be accommodated at the current Dorchester pool.

He said they had been hoping the new facility would be ready for the December 2011 meet but that now could be in jeopardy. The club also currently has to move some league meets to Bridport because they cannot be held in Dorchester.

Mr Rooks said: “So much is depending on the new pool for the club to expand and raise its profile and it’s just holding us back.”