A FINAL attempt will be made next week to rescue plans for a multi-million pound sports centre and swimming pool at Malton.

The long-running saga of the proposed new leisure facility for central Ryedale looked to be reaching a close last month when councillors decided against committing £35,000 to prepare a Lottery bid for the scheme.

Although officers had suggested that Lottery funding might provide between 65 and 90 per cent of the capital costs of the scheme, estimated at between £2.3 million and £2.7 million, concern was raised about whether the authority could afford the project.

The proposal to build the centre on land at Malton School had also raised fears at Norton, because it entailed the closure of the town's Derwent Pool and the transfer of £270,000 earmarked for repairs there.

But the full meeting of Ryedale District Council on Thursday, March 5, will hear an appeal from Coun Lindsey Burr to overturn the decision by its leisure and marketing committee.

"I feel it is important people know what a fantastic opportunity will be missed if councillors vote against submitting a bid to the Lottery," she said. It could contribute up to 85 per cent of the total cost. The remainder would need to be raised by local industry, fund raising and available grants."

The head of Malton School, David Roberts, pointed out that the school had suggested only a covered sports centre and had not promoted the idea of a new pool, but there were clear financial advantages in having the two together, because of staffing costs.

Coun Elizabeth Shields said there were great concerns about the financial implications of the proposals, as the council would be responsible for the buildings even if the services were run by an outside body. The estimated extra cost was £15,000, but it could be a lot higher.

She declined so say how she would vote on March 5, but added: "I have always had reservations about it." She said some people would like a new pool, but added: "At the same time we have to be fairly hard-headed where the finances are concerned."

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