COUNCIL chiefs have backed borrowing an extra £1 million to help create a new swimming pool in York.

The additional cash would form part of a £3 million contribution from City of York Council towards building an £8.9 million, 25-metre facility at the proposed York Sports Village in Heslington.

The agreement would see the University of York provide the rest of the money and take responsibility for operating and maintaining the pool, which would be the first competition-standard swimming facility in the city and boast a seated spectator area and training pool, for the first 25 years of its life.

The recommendation by the authority’s executive for the additional £1 million, on top of £2 million already agreed, to be released will have to be approved by the full council.

The university said work on the pool could begin early next year and be completed at the start of 2012.

The borrowing would be repaid at £71,000 a year over 25 years through revenue savings. “This is a one-off opportunity to achieve for the city exactly the swimming pool York has long needed and never had,” said the authority’s executive member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, Coun Nigel Ayre. “The council’s investment will secure opportunities for fun activities, open swimming for casual users, fitness swimming, courses and lessons, club development facilities and galas. Public access will be guaranteed and at no ongoing cost to the taxpayer.”