Marlow residents insist keeping a swimming pool is the biggest priority in the redevelopment of the Court Garden Leisure Complex.

Following a survey issued in the summer by Wycombe District Council, Marlovians said a pool, gym, health suite and a multi-purpose sports hall and café were the most important facilities in any leisure complex.

Almost 600 people took part in the council’s survey with 82 percent saying they used the centre in Pound Lane every week.

The town council also had its say and stressed the need to improve the ‘dated’ swimming pool at the centre in Pound Lane and completely modernise the Shelley Theatre.

Councillors also highlighted the importance of making sure sport and activity classes were not diminished and were adamant they remain active in the consultation process.

A high standard of maintenance, cleanliness, security, affordability and the condition of the equipment on offer were all also of significant importance to those who took part in the questionnaire.

Cllr Alex Collingwood said he was excited for the future of the sports complex and the main aim is to transform it in to a 21st century facility.

He said: “I am really pleased that so many people responded to the survey. Sometimes with these things people don’t respond or the answers are not very good – but we can really work with the responses we have.

“We need to work out what the best mix is for the diverse range of people that are in Marlow. It is one of the council’s most valuable assets so we must make sure it is done right for future generations.

“There’s a lot going on in the mixed sports facility at the moment, trampolining, martial arts you name it but the people of Marlow have said there is not enough space for everything so improvements do need to be made.”

The survey also revealed that 18.4 percent of people do not use the complex say it is because the equipment is poor.

Consultants FMG will use the results of the survey and gather further information on other sports services in Marlow to produce a report in the New Year which will outline future options for the leisure centre.

Cllr Julia Adey said: “We will talk to different stakeholders, councillors and Marlow Town council and discuss the various options.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to take part in our Court Garden Leisure Complex survey.

“The results will help FMG drawn up a number of options for us to consider in the New Year which will improve the sports and leisure facilities in Marlow.”

Marlow Town Council has said it is reviewing the results as a team before it issues a full statement.

For more information and to view the report on the Court Garden Leisure Complex survey results visit www.wycombe.gov.uk