A KESWICK councillor has said he is 'disappointed' that the borough council have chosen such an 'unambitious course of action' in helping find a new leisure facility for Keswick.

It comes after a 'call in' meeting of Allerdale Borough Council's overview and scrutiny committee, was held on Tuesday, June 14, to discuss the work that Allerdale is planning to do in its final year of operation, before the new Cumberland Authority takes over in 2023.

Councillors Markus Campbell-Savours, Sally Lansbury and Alan Smith called the meeting to question why a motion passed in September 2021 to create a 'shovel ready' plan for a new leisure centre and swimming pool had now been what they believe is 'diluted' to an options appraisal.

Executive member, Cllr Marion Fitzgerald was invited to explain the background to the decision that was taken by the executive on the delivery plan.

She said: "What we absolutely can not do is to force this process too quickly, because all of us in this room will only have one chance to get this right."

Mrs Fitzgerald said that the executive had not wanted to leave the new authority without any alternatives when they come into force in 2023.

At the meeting, the cross party committee voted in favour of a motion that hopes to 'speed up' the delivery of the plans.

The motion said: "We are concerned that the current approach lacks sufficient urgency and lets the people of Keswick down, we request that the executive set a new target to have the project plan to RIBA stage two before Allerdale Borough Council hand over to the new Cumberland Council, we also request that officers approach the new council to ensure work completed is a priorty as we complete the LGR process."

Speaking to the Times & Star after the meeting, Cllr Campbell Savours said: "It is disappointing that the council executive have chosen such an unambitious course of action and seem to be showing no sense of urgency in helping the people of Keswick have a new leisure facility.

"I welcome the cross-party committee support for our alternative target and hope that the executive will now do the right thing and accept the recommendation.

"Do they really want their legacy to be a closed facility and no real plan for the future?"

The decision will now be referred back to the executive at Allerdale, stating the concerns at the Executive's next meeting.