Decision 'will not affect' new Shropshire pool

A new Shropshire swimming pool will be built, despite a decision to scrap a government programme, a council said.

Telford & Wrekin Council said it had applied for a £1.5m grant to help fund the building of a pool at the Abraham Darby Sports and Learning Community.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said the government has decided to end the £25m capital modernisation programme for pools.

The council said construction was not dependent on the bid being successful.

Councillor Stephen Burrell, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "The government's decision to scrap the programme will have no effect on our plans."

A DCMS spokesman said: "We are facing an unprecedented financial situation in this country, and it is essential that we act now to reduce the country's debt."