AN extra £200,000 has been set aside to fund a major upgrade to Walton’s swimming pool.

The pool improvement bid has been in the pipeline for more than 18 months, but work is finally set to get under way in June.

It will see the popular pool, in Princes Esplanade, expanded to include a new state-of-the-art gym.

The changing rooms will also be refurbished and the reception area will be revamped.

Originally, Tendring Council set aside £200,000 to fund the work, before trebling the cashpot to £600,000 last year.

Now the council’s cabinet has agreed to increase the pool fund to £800,000.

The extra cash is needed to go ahead with the lowest quote given by prospective contractors.

Work will cost more than first thought due to poor ground conditions, with extra mechanical and electrical costs anticipated.

The money will also pay for a temporary reception area and changing facilities to keep the pool open while work is carried out.

The firm in charge of the revamp will be announced soon. Work should be completed by the end of the year.