THE cost to taxpayers of developing Basildon’s sporting village has nearly doubled since the project began, new figures reveal.

Initial estimates when the Olympic-sized swimming pool and sports centre, in Gloucester Park, was first announced, in 2003, were Basildon Council needed to pay about £12million of the £38million cost.

But because of issues with attracting funding, the council is now having to put forward a massive £22million of the cost.

The bulk of the cash will be raised by its controversial land sales, including selling off playing fields at Vange, Laindon and Pitsea.

The news comes ahead of public exhibitions into the sell-offs, when the council will argue it is still the best way to secure the district’s best sporting facilities.

Residents will be told it would cost at least £10million just to “patch up” the existing pool at Gloucester Park, which it says is nearing the end of its life.

They will also hear it would cost at least £20million just to rebuild a similar 25m pool in its place and that no funding is available without selling the sites to developers, including the current pool site.

Councillor Stephen Horgan, responsible for regeneration, said: “Over 90 per cent of school swimming will be delivered at the new facility.

“It is reliant on modern and better facilities. Gloucester Park swimming pool is coming to the end of its life and we have to do something.

“As we have said all along, doing nothing is not an option. We cannot be faced with a situation of our young children not being able to learn to swim.”

He said pools at Pitsea and Wickford were not big enough to cope with school demands.

Mr Horgan added: “For an estimated £20million, we could build a 25m pool and leisure centre.

“Or for £22million, we can build a first-class facility that will provide the first 50m pool in the county and be the best public sports facility in Essex.”

Margaret Downer, director of the Excel School Swimming Programme, which organises lessons for 38 local schools, said: “We are 100 per cent behind the new sporting village.

“At the new facility, we will provide lessons to local primary schools, ensuring they reach the minimum Key Stage 2 Government standard in swimming.”