LONG-awaited plans for a multi-million pound upgrade of a York swimming pool have been put on hold for up to two years, the Evening Press has learned.

And we can exclusively reveal that City of York Council may consider demolishing the Edmund Wilson pool, in Acomb, and replacing it with a brand new £2.5 million facility at nearby Oaklands School.

Charlie Croft, the council's assistant director of education and leisure, said he was disappointed that an urgently-needed overhaul of the Edmund Wilson baths had been put on hold.

But he said spiralling projected renovation costs for the Thanet Road pool - which have shot up to £2.5 million - had forced the council to think again about its plans for the site.

He said the sale and redevelopment of the city's Barbican Centre, which will fund improvements at other swimming facilities, now held the key to the Thanet Road pool's future.

"My first reaction was irritation about the costs rising and not being able to complete a scheme that has been consulted on with the public," Mr Croft said. "But this is a more sensible and rational approach which will give us choices."

Two years ago, an architectural survey found that £1.5 million-worth of urgent work was needed at the Edmund Wilson pool to help extend its life by a further 25 years.

This figure quickly rose to £1.9 million, with a total project cost of £2.5 million, as engineers ran into a series of unexpected problems, including an asbestos scare, structural weaknesses and soft foundations.

It coincided with huge expense needed to modernise pools at the Barbican Centre and Yearsley. Councillors proposed closures, which started the massively-supported and successful Evening Press Save Our Swim campaign.

Now councillors are expected to be asked to look at new proposals which make better use of that money, possibly with a new pool.

Mr Croft said a new pool at Oaklands School would be a 25-metre one with five or six lanes, but would have no facilities for beginners or supporters.

More than £100,000 has already been spent at Edmund Wilson on urgent repairs and surveying.

Meanwhile, a feasibility study investigating what work needs to be done at Yearsley Swimming Pool will take place this summer.

The Evening Press revealed in December that just one "viable" option for the Barbican Centre sale was being considered by the council.

The Barbican Venture bid, including a county-standard swimming pool, auditorium improvements and a top-quality hotel, could raise millions.

Updated: 11:49 Wednesday, January 22, 2003