IVYBRIDGE leisure centre is set to be upgraded thanks to an earmarked £1m from South Hams Council – but plans to revamp the indoor pool have been shelved.

South Hams Council has said it will now listen to proposals from Tone Leisure, who run the leisure centre, to improve areas such as the changing rooms and the outdoor pool.

The news of the proposed upgrades has been accepted as a success by some Ivybridge based South Hams councillors – but is seen as a massive disappointment by the mayor, Cllr Trevor Parsons.

A spokesman for South Hams Council said: 'The Council's executive wants to work with its leisure contractor Tone Leisure, along with the community, to move forward with proposals which will include upgrades to the centre's changing rooms and alternative uses around the outdoor lido.

'The council has reviewed proposals to build a new indoor pool in the town and decided that a scheme cannot be supported at this time without other funding partners.'

Since 2010, South Hams Council has earmarked £1m for the leisure centre.

Cllr Bill Hitchins, spokesman for assets at South Hams Council, said: 'The refurbishment is good news for Ivybridge.

'The council is fully supporting the need to enhance the leisure centre to withstand local competition, strengthen Tone's position and help improve footfall.'

Cllr Michael Saltern, of Ivybridge Central ward, added: 'While it may be a little disappointing that we couldn't move ahead with a new pool, a planned progression of improvements works is really great news.'

But the mayor, Cllr Parsons described the news as a real 'kick in the teeth' for Ivybridge.

Read more in this week's Ivybridge & South Brent Gazette