Flitwick could benefit from a multi-million pound leisure centre if Mid Bedfordshire District Council and Flitwick Town Council press on with their controversial proposals to build on playing fields.

The new sports complex would feature an eight-lane 25m swimming pool, with separate learner pool, a four-court activity hall, a 100-station fitness suite, two multi-purpose activity rooms, a dance studio, two squash courts, a creche, health spa, sauna and steam room. A climbing wall, soft play area and bowling alley have also been mooted.

Mid Bedfordshire’s director of community services, Roy Waterfield, thinks it’s exactly what the town needs since the existing centre can’t keep up with demand.

He said: “The current leisure centre is now oudated and will come to the end of its useful life over the next few years.

“This new centre will respond to customer demand, offering residents more opportunities for a healthier lifestyle and provide them with a quality facility which will enable the provision of an improved service.”

However, there have already been some rumblings of protest in the town, since the proposed site, Millennium Park, is currently a valuable greenfield site which children use to play on. The existing skatepark and play area would be moved to make way for the new facility.