Plans for a �2.5m pool in Flintshire have been given the go-ahead after parents raised concerns over children having to wait up to a year for swimming lessons.

A question mark had been hanging over the funding of the project in Buckley after an application for lottery cash was turned down three times.

I am disgusted with Sportlot and I won't buy a lottery ticket ever again

Margaret Towell, campaigner

Flintshire council have now agreed to pay for the development work which will include a new pool and leisure facilities.

The decision by the Sports Council for Wales' Sportlot panel to refuse a �1.5m bid for lottery funding has been condemned by people living in the town.

The organisation decided four months ago that the spending could not be justified when there are swimming facilities just five miles away in Mold.

However, Margaret Towell who headed the campaign for the pool, said youngsters in Buckley were losing out.

Modernisation

"I am disgusted with Sportlot and I wont buy a lottery ticket ever again," she said.

"Our schoolchildren cannot use the facilities at Mold because their own schools are using them so Buckley children can't go there,"

The existing 74-year-old swimming pool is still open to the public but is in need of major modernisation.

Mrs Towell, a former lifeguard at Buckley baths, said she was pleased that Flintshire council was securing the pools future.

"I've been lobbying for over three years to modernise the pool.

"Sportlot spent millions in south Wales and then turned us down three times.

We gave a commitment to improve swimming facilities in both Connah's Quay and Buckley and we are delivering that promise

Alex Aldridge, council leader

"The council promised they would pay for the baths if the funding didn't come through and they have," she said.

Flintshire council leader Alex Aldridge said the local authority had pledged to upgrade facilities.

"We have tried to get Sportlot funding on three separate occasions but have been turned down.

"The scheme will therefore be entirely funded by the county council.

"We gave a commitment to improve swimming facilities in both Connah's Quay and Buckley and we are delivering that promise.

Sports centre

"I am delighted that we will be able to provide improved modern facilities for the local community and the school," he said.

Work on the brand new facility on the site of the Elfed High School in Mill Lane is expected to start by July 2003.

The site will enable the council to build a modern 25 metre, six lane pool with changing facilities.

It will be integrated into the dual use sports centre already on site.

The Sports Council for Wales has an annual budget of �5m to spend on capital projects.

Last year, Wrexham had the highest lottery funding with �5m and Gwynedd was awarded �4m.

Earlier this year the council re-opened Connah's Quay baths following a major �1.5m refurbishment.