Hucknall's Ashfield Independent Councillors have welcomed the news that a second swimming pool in the town's leisure centre will be open by spring next year.

Ashfield District went to tender last year for the new pool, with a planning application for the pool agreed. It was announced that the extra pool will be open in just over a year's time at a Cabinet Meeting at the Council yesterday.

The extra pool in Hucknall is just one improvement at the leisure centre which has formed part of Ashfield District Council's £22.5million leisure transformation.

Councillor John Wilmott welcomed the news at the Cabinet Meeting. He said: "It is amazing news that we will finally get a brand new, extra swimming pool at Hucknall Leisure Centre. I asked the Council to turbo charge the opening of the new, extra pool and they have listened.

"With the new fitness suite, the new changing facilities, the new reception area – our Leisure Centre is receiving the biggest investment since it was built in 1992.

"We've souped-up the Leisure Centre for its 30th anniversary and the extra pool is the icing on the cake. We are really delivering first class facilities for the residents of Hucknall and Linby."

Councillor Jim Blagden, who has used Hucknall Leisure Centre since it was built, added: "When Hucknall elected councillors from the Ashfield Independents in 2019 – this was top of our shopping list for our town.

"The news that we are only a year away from a new, extra pool is brilliant. Hucknall Leisure Centre is so close to our hearts. To see the improvements first hand, I am proud that we are making a positive difference.

"At a time when other councils are shutting their leisure centres – we are investing in them. Residents told us they wanted to see improvements and we are doing exactly that."

Council Leader Jason Zadrozny paid tribute to Hucknall's Ashfield Independent Councillors. He said: "On their first day as councillors back in 2019, Councillors Jim Blagden, Trevor Locke, Dave Shaw, Lee Waters and John Wilmott - your Ashfield Independent councillors were banging on my door. They demanded improvements to Hucknall Leisure Centre and are delivering them.

"It's no exaggeration (to say) that once our improvements have been completed with the new pool in Hucknall – Ashfield residents will probably have the best Council-run Leisure Centres in the UK."