After three years of waiting, the new pool at Monmouth’s leisure centre has finally opened to the public.

It was originally intended to be inside the new school’s premises, but a change in finances forced a rethink and it was decided to convert the leisure centre gym into a swimming facility for the town.

Despite stinging criticism from town and county councillors, the altered plans were passed in April 2017.

The designs took into account the comments from pool users about changing facilities and on Monday, 11th January, members of the public had the chance to view the new UV filtered swimming pool and health spa, the second and final phase of the £7.4m leisure centre refurbishment.

Changing facilities have been carefully thought out as manager of the centre, Nick Butler told the Beacon: "A lot of thought has gone into the design as it is often an element overlooked and a well-designed changing area can lead to a quick turnaround of pool usage."

The new improved pool has grown from the previous 20 metre length to a 25 metre five lane facility that also boasts a beauty treatment rooms and a health spa..

The leisure centre - now known as Monmouth’s Premier Leisure Facility - offers a large gym, spin studio, toning suite, spacious changing rooms, a children’s play centre, open plan café and a multi-purpose room for parties and meetings as well as relaxation areas, all featuring the latest market-leading equipment.

Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for leisure, Councillor Bob Greenland said: "At a time when other councils were closing leisure centres, we committed to this new modern facility and we now see the fulfilment of our promise to the people of Monmouth and the surrounding areas."

He promised a formal opening of the refurbished leisure centre later in the summer after work had been completed in the adjacent comprehensive school.