Multi-million pound plans to knock down and rebuild an indoor swimming pool with extra facilities were discussed at a special meeting.

The Ilkley Pool Group, led by Richard Threlfall, hosted an open event to give residents the chance to put forward ideas for the town’s pool, at the Ilkley Lido site on Denton Road.

And Mr Threlfall, who has been the catalyst for the plans, said he has been “overwhelmed” by the support given to the group since a consultation was formally launched last week.

Mr Threlfall, who takes his children to the Bradford Council-owned indoor pool, has described the building as “architectural vandalism” and came up with plans to knock it down and rebuild it, with a cost of about £10 million being suggested. He has been fully supported by the Friends of Ilkley Lido.

He believes a new pool could include a series of new facilities including an indoor sports hall, children’s pool and possibly a running track outside and could get funding from several sources.

He also believes improvements could be made to the lido and suggested it could be heated again.

At a meeting at the Clarke Foley Centre, attended by scores of people, he said consultations would finish at the end of the week, and the group would formulate plans before further discussions with the council.

Mr Threlfall also said he hopes to have full backing from the council by the end of the year to push ahead with a masterplan for the site and then gain some funding.

“I have been overwhelmed by just how much encouragement and support we’ve had,” he said.

“The only negative comment came from someone who said they just couldn’t see it happening.

“But I know money is out there. I’ve been talking to Sport England and they’re keen and I’ve been talking to the Heritage Lottery Fund and they’re keen.

“It’s a good start.”

Mr Threlfall said there is still a last chance for people to comment on the group’s plans before consultation ends this weekend, and all the results are collated.

Consultation forms are available at the Ilkley Gazette reception, and once complete can be handed in to the town hall, on Station Road, and comments can also be submitted online.

Detailed plans about the pool are on display at Ilkley library, in Station Road. For more information about the Ilkley Pool Group, go to the website at ilkley. org/ilkley- pool-group or e-mail them at pool@ilkley.org.