SCORES of concerned residents turned out for a meeting to discuss plans for a new leisure centre in Horwich.

​The meeting was organised by the Horwich First campaign group and held at the town's RMI club.

People packed into the venue to raise issues regarding a plan by Bolton Council to create a new £10 million leisure centre in Victoria Road.

If plans are approved, the new centre will be built on the car park of the current site in Victoria Road.

The meeting was chaired by Liz Trist of the Horwich Swimming Club and heard representations from local councillors, residents and the Bolton Community Leisure Trust - who will manage the new centre.

Some of the key issues raised at the meeting included fears that the development is being 'rushed through' and queries about a perceived lack of local consultation on the scheme.

There were also questions about parking and whether any other sites had been considered for the development.

Independent town councillor Marie Brady, who is a Horwich First member, said the large turnout indicated the importance of the issue for residents.

She said: “It was a busy meeting and I think that shows the strength of feeling that there is in the town on this issue.

“We appreciated Jon Gorton from the Bolton Community Leisure Trust coming along an answering some difficult questions.

“People raised a lot of valid concerns and there were plenty of positive contributions — it is clear residents just want the best for Horwich and we don’t want a white elephant.

“We think there was a lack of consultation and we want more communication with sports clubs — I hope the concerns are listened to.”

Mr Gorton, who spoke at the meeting, said: “We believe that all of the activities that take place in the current centre and more will be provided in this new, modern building.

“We understand concerns that some user groups have and it has always been our intention that this is a consultation period with them to try and accommodate all their aspirations in the final design.”

He said the trust has already met with the Horwich Swimming Club and the Amateur Swimming Association about increasing the number of spectator seats for the pool.

He added: “We have extended this offer to all other users who are welcome to contact the trust and discuss any issues.

“Other options were considered at an early stage but continuity of service for customers has always been one of our key aims and we feel that the centre should remain in the heart of Horwich.”