Residents are being asked their views on a new Dover Leisure Centre – despite there being no official public consultation.

The Mercury revealed last week that plans for a new leisure facility in the town would not be subject to a consultation – instead Dover District Council has set up a working group, with campaigner Peter Ward as the voice of the people.

Mr Ward said he had believed a consultation would still be going ahead and was disappointed to discover it would not.

He said: “My understanding at the last scrutiny meeting was that after both landowners had been approached and there was a clearer idea where the centre will be built, that the possibility of public consultation would be considered. I originally petitioned for a public meeting and do not want to completely shut out the public. I think it will be beneficial to at least have a few meetings to get public opinion.”

The council is now asking for the public’s opinion in the form of emails, with the full report conducted by The Sports Consultancy available online to read.

A council spokesman said: “We want local people to have access to first class sport and leisure facilities to help them lead healthier lifestyles, realise their sporting ambitions, or simply have fun keeping fit.

“We’re committed to working with the local community and sports governing bodies to build a new leisure centre in the district fit for the 21st century.”

The page on the council website also gives some insight into what is expected – but does not include any mention of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

A petition calling for an Olympic-sized pool has gained more than 400 signatures.

It is believed the site was made before this was suggested.

Recommendations, including Whitfield as the main site and Buckland Mill as a secondary option, were approved by the council’s cabinet on Monday.

For more information or to register your views visit http://tinyurl.com/gqcsmcy or email newleisurecentre@dover.gov.uk

To sign the petition for an Olympic-size pool visit http://chn.ge/1PLNkaX