When will a decision be made on funding for a town's pool?

Fakenham is awaiting news on whether the Labour government will fulfil its predecessor's £9.8m promise of funding towards the development of a swimming pool and 3G pitch at the Trap Lane Leisure Centre. 

It is now hoped a decision will be made in the next two months.

The update was revealed by Christopher Cushing, leader of the Conservative Group for North Norfolk District Council.

He said in a report to Fakenham Town Council he had written to the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, urging the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed, which would allow the funding to be released and the project to go ahead.

In Christopher Cushing's report to the Fakenham Town Council he said he expects a decision to be made in the next two months. (Image: North Norfolk District Council) He also reported the project's design and planning application is expected to be completed in October.

However, the district council would not proceed with construction until it is assured the government would help pay for the £11m development.

Mr Cushing said in his report: "I have written a letter to Angela Rayner MP, the secretary of state for local government, urging her to release the funding as the swimming pool is desperately needed by the town and area.

"I received a reply to say the decision will likely be made in the next two months."

The swimming pool will serve 25,000 people in Fakenham and the surrounding areas, including those who will move into the 950 homes expected to be built at a nearby site.

He later said: "I am greatly concerned that the Labour government will renege on the previous Conservative government's commitment to allocate £9.8m to build a much-needed swimming pool in Fakenham.

"This money was fully costed and part of the Levelling-Up programme.

"The pool would deliver huge recreational and health benefits to Fakenham and the surrounding parishes for many years to come.

"It would be a cruel blow to our community to have this taken away now."

Funding for the swimming pool is still on hold as the Labour Government review the spending. (Image: Google Maps) In response to his letter, a spokesman from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government wrote the Chancellor's speech in July set out the state of the UK's spending inheritance from the previous government. 

This included a "forecasted overspend of £21.9 billion" above limits set by the treasury in the spring. 

The spokesman said: "In this context, the Chancellor has set out a path to confirming plans for this year and next at the forthcoming budget on October 30.

"We understand that this has caused uncertainty for Fakenham's Leisure and Sports Hub project and that you are rightly seeking clarity on previous funding commitments.

"While we cannot provide an update, department officials remain available for conversations and to discuss any issues impacting delivery."