A NEW multi-million-pound swimming pool WILL be built at Oaklands School, after a scrutiny committee voted against reconsidering the decision.

During a heated meeting, Labour group leader Dave Merrett was threatened with expulsion from the room as tempers flared. He and other opposition councillors condemned the design of the new pool, which will replace Edmund Wilson, and also the consultation process.

But after a fervent debate, the committee voted four to three in favour of accepting the decision, made by the executive last month.

Labour councillors Derek Smallwood, Brian Watson and Dave Evans had called in the decision for review, complaining the proposal was inadequate and premature, and that the consultation had not included the whole city.

Coun Smallwood said: "Anyone who thinks this does not affect the wider city is living in cloud-cuckoo land.

"The whole thing has been ill-thought through, and I am bitterly disappointed we are allowing the assets of this city to be ripped off for the west of the city."

Charlie Croft, the council's assistant director of lifelong learning and culture, said all residents had been able to take part in the consultation, even if they had not received postal questionnaires.

Committee chairwoman Madeleine Kirk said the council received no complaints from the public about the consultation. Coun Merrett said people had complained to him and, as arguments increased, he was told he would be asked to leave if he did not move on.

Coun Merrett criticised the ruling Liberal Democrats over the sale of the Barbican, but Keith Hyman said: "To have gone so many years without investing in the city, then to come out with that statement is incredible."

Couns Merrett, Paul Blanchard, and Andy D'Agorne called for the decision to be referred back to executive.

Couns Hyman, Kirk, Tom Holvey and David Livesley supported the original decision.