Plans to upgrade Castle Sports Complex pool praised by South Lincs Competitive Swimming Club's Emma Croker and Keith Haynes

Plans to upgrade Spalding’s swimming pool could be ‘hugely beneficial’ for youngsters.

That is according to Emma Croker, a member of South Lincs Competitive Swimming Club, and her head coach Keith Haynes.

The club trains at the Castle Swimming Pool on Pinchbeck Road, which could be part of a major revamp at the complex if South Holland District Council’s £20 million levelling up bid is approved by the Government.

Mr Haynes, who has coached the club for four years, has expressed concerns about where his swimmers will train while the facility is upgraded.

However, he says it will be a long term positive if plans go ahead.

“The pool is certainly old and tired, so an upgrade is something that can only be beneficial,” he said.

“I can’t see any possibility of a new facility, so upgrading what we have got is really important.

“I think it will be hugely beneficial. The community in Spalding needs a swimming pool and needs to be able to access it.

“There’s so much to be gained from sport, particularly when it’s with a club. Swimmers, for example, have to learn good time management.

“Being active is good for your future health, so I think the more we can offer people in Spalding the better.”

Mr Haynes hopes that, as part of the upgrade, the complex can be altered to host a deck level swimming pool rather than the sunken model currently in place.

He also said improvements to the plant room - which controls the likes of pool temperature -would be vital.

This comes after a series of closures at the facility in recent months.

Emma Croker, a swimmer in the team competing at the 2022 European Junior Championship, has also supported plans.

In a video for the district council, she said: “I think the Government bid will be good for the local community. For the kids learning to swim, it will be a really good friendly environment.”