Politicians have been assured that plans for upgraded leisure facilities have not been forgotten despite concerns over delays. 

Labour councillors and Seaham’s MP called on Durham County Council to provide an update on the progress of plans for new swimming facilities, first revealed three years ago. 

A multi-million pound scheme to replace ‘ageing and outdated’ leisure centres, including in Seaham, was approved by the authority in 2021. The scheme includes an ambition to build a new facility at St John’s Square, as well as improvements in Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street. 

Now, Easington MP Grahame Morris hopes progress elsewhere in County Durham will pave the way for much-needed new swimming facilities in Seaham. 

The Northern Echo: Easington MP, Grahame Morris, of the Labour partyEasington MP, Grahame Morris, of the Labour party (Image: The Northern Echo)

Labour MP Mr Morris said: “The case for new swimming facilities has been clearly demonstrated, and the demand for these services will only increase due to the many new housing developments approved by the council, including 1,700 new homes in the South of Seaham Garden Village.

“Seaham is a large and growing town, attracting visitors from the wider region. As the Easington constituency is the only area in County Durham with a coastline, swimming is an important life skill.”

It comes after Swim England previously stated the need to increase swimming provision in the county. 

While acknowledging the funding pressures the local authority has faced, Mr Morris hopes other areas aren’t being prioritised over his constituency.

“Labour councillors in the area and I were concerned about reports of cost inflation, but if the Tory led-Coalition at County Hall can find the money to deliver facilities in Bishop Auckland, an area that is already benefiting from levelling up funding denied to East Durham, it would be an outrage to fail to deliver the swimming facilities promised to Seaham,” he added. 

Cllr James Rowlandson, on behalf of the joint administration of Durham County Council, said the leisure plan is split into three phases and it is still in phase one, which includes improvements in Bishop Auckland. 

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“Like all organisations we have been affected by national and international financial pressures which have impacted our major capital programmes. This is not unique to County Durham and I would like to be clear that our officers are working extremely hard to deliver an incredibly ambitious investment programme. 

“Mr Morris and his Labour colleagues are well aware of the very difficult circumstances in which the council’s teams are working. 

“As with many projects that Labour promised when they were in control of the council, the plan existed but the money did not. In light of the financial pressures, we are giving careful consideration to the leisure transformation programme across the county, including plans for Seaham, so that we can provide a sustainable service that meets the needs of our communities while also supporting the county’s growth and development.

“I can assure our communities across the county that the council will continue to invest in our economy, taking innovative approaches to design, development and delivery, and seeking external funds to support our position where it is possible to do so.”