LONG-held plans for a new swimming pool have moved a major step closer.

Residents of Ripon and the surrounding area are being invited to comment on the types of activities and classes they would like to see in the new facility.

The new swimming pool will replace the ageing Ripon Spa Baths and will be located next to the existing leisure centre on Dallamires Lane, to provide a combined wet and dry facility.

And the six-week public consultation, which is now open, will be used to gauge the public’s views on what they require from the new development.

Ripon Spa Baths were built in 1904 as a health spa and in 1936 were extended to provide a swimming pool. Since 1974 they have been operated by Harrogate Borough Council.

They provide a small but well used community pool with a small sauna and related ancillary facilities and the maximum pool capacity is currently 90 people.

However limited parking is a problem for those users living in the rural areas outside the city – and the 113-year-old building has also become expensive to maintain.

In 2008 the council embarked on the initial stages of designing a new swimming facility, however due to the economic downturn these plans were put on hold.

But in October 2015, the local cabinet agreed to start again and a team has since been established to manage the project..

The idea is to have a high quality pool developed by a target date of December 2019 and the council is currently in the process of undertaking an initial feasibility study which will identify the cost of the project.

The leisure centre will also be upgraded and will share a reception area and other facilities with the pool to reduce costs.

Cabinet member for culture and sport Cllr Stanley Lumley said: “Whilst Ripon Spa Baths has served the community well over the years, there is clearly the need for better, modern, cost effective swimming provision in the city.

“It is important that we involve residents in the development of this new facility and we would like people’s feedback to help us decide which services and activities they would like to be available in the swimming pool and leisure centre. By doing so we can ensure that we create a facility which meets the needs of the community.”

The public consultation runs until March 8 and is available to complete at harrogate.gov.uk/riponswimmingpoolconsultation