THE new public swimming pool for Monmouth will have six lanes – but the 'upgrade' means the town will be without a pool for longer.

The current pool is being replaced as part of the project for a new secondary school for the town and the original plan was for a four-lane pool in its own building.

But council officials have worked out a business plan that means a larger pool inside the new school building is feasible.

Having the pool inside the school building will knock some £2.5 million off the cost of the pool, Monmouthshire County Council was told.

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Bob Greenland (Con, Wolvesnewton) said: "I'm pleased to say that after a considerable amount of work, officers have been able to bring forward a business case to support the additional borrowing for the six lane pool."

He said the pool would have to open at the same time as the new school which is scheduled for September 2017.

The Welsh Assembly Government agreed to fund half of the original £4 million investment but the council will now have to find an extra £1.67 million for the six lane pool.

The council is working on the assumption that the gap will be plugged by the extra income a larger pool would generate.

Cllr Greenland said: "I apologise for that but the delay is worth the advantage of a much improved pool.

"Six lane pools are the accepted norm.

"We have the ability to provide a 21st century school and a 21st century pool.

"I know the financial difficulties we have but this is a long-term investment."

The project will need planning permission and it is expected to go before planners in July.