COUNCILLORS last night chose their preferred option for a controversial multi-million pound swimming pool.

A specially-convened meeting of city councillors in Durham City heard five options to replace the 70-year-old baths at Old Elvet with a new 25-metre pool.

Members opted for the most expensive option - an eight-lane pool, plus a fitness suite, costing £12m.

The facility, to be built on Durham County Council-owned land at Freeman's Place, next to Durham Sixth Form College, will have a spectator balcony, a multi-use room for dance, fitness and drama and a changing village.

The ruling Liberal Democrat group plans to finance the pool by selling off pockets of land around the city for housing - a policy which has angered Labour councillors.

Council leader Councillor Fraser Reynolds described the plan as "probably the most substantial piece of work that had ever been undertaken by the city for many years".

"Our priority has been to deliver the best, affordable option that is sustainable in the long term," he said.

Councillor Ken Manton, leader of Durham County Council, owners of the proposed pool site, said the city council's decision was a significant step forward.

"There is some way to go yet, but this is a tremendous opportunity which both authorities are working very hard not to let slip by."

Councillor David Bell, Durham City's Labour group leader, said: "In principle, we are not against the swimming pool.

"This is the best option, I suppose, that there is, but we should have consulted the people of Durham on what they want."

The city council wants to start work on the site in about September next year.