THE demolition of Central Pool got into full swing this week as machinery arrived at the site.

The derelict pool, which has been vacant since it closed in January, will be removed completely over the coming months.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) approved this project at a planning meeting and urged residents to use alternative sites, such as the temporary facility at Rivermead Leisure Complex.

Councillor John Ennis, lead member for housing, said: "Central Pool will be housing. We need to find out what the affordable housing contribution will be."

The public consultation received one response from a resident concerned about the impact of losing of such a significant building on the local area.

However, the officers determined that the existing building is not of any specific architectural or architectural significance, and that its current vacant nature is not itself positive.

RBC is currently considering plans to replace the pool with a new permanent 25m in Rivermead, with another 25m pool in Palmer Park lined up as a replacement for the much-loved Arthur Hill pool.

Local campaigners and Swim England, however, are calling for a 50m pool at the Rivermead site.