SPORTS fans in Didcot and Wallingford are on track for a major boost after councillors agreed to invest millions of pounds in new facilities. Swimmers in Didcot have welcomed plans to splash out on a £12m new pool to cater for the predicted growth in the town’s population.

According to a report backed by South Oxfordshire District Council’s cabinet, a £14.9m capital investment is needed to boost the town’s leisure facilities over the next 16 years.

And in Wallingford, residents could benefit from a £3.8m package of improvements, including 22 junior football pitches, three new rugby pitches at Wallingford Sports Park, two new tennis courts and a new 400m six-lane athletics track costing £1.15m.

The report says South Oxfordshire’s population – 128,277 in 2009 – is expected to increase by more than 14,000 by 2026 and new facilities will be needed as a result.

It adds the “most strategically important” facility for Didcot will be the replacement for Didcot Wave pool, with outdoor sports pitches alongside it.

Council leader Ann Ducker said: “We fully support developing the leisure provision in Didcot, and would look to use capital money as well as section 106 funding but as yet no decision has been made.”

Jo Murphy, chairman of the Didcot Barramundi Swim Club, that uses Didcot Wave in Newlands Avenue, said: “I’m pleased that the council is prioritising swimming but it needs to consider keeping Didcot Wave as well as providing a new facility.

“For its size, it is one of the most well-used pools in the county.

“Although it’s a 25m pool, it is not competitive because the water temperature is too warm. If the council is going to replace Didcot Wave then an eight-lane 25m pool would be welcome but a 50m pool would be ideal to pull in competitive swimmers. My son Alex has to travel to Aldershot and Ealing to use 50m pools.”

The Draft Leisure Facilities Strategy report warned the council would not be able to fund all the projects identified and could not guarantee the facilities would be provided.

No location has yet been agreed for the new pool.

Margaret Davies, leader of the council’s opposition, said: “It’s great news that SODC is planning to invest capital funding in a new pool but it must be built in the centre so that pupils can walk to it instead of having to get the bus.”

As well as providing up to 110sqm of additional swimming space, the leisure strategy suggests the new sports hub should also offer a new eight-court sports hall, a 100-station fitness suite, and new rugby, football and cricket pitches.