A rigorous inspection into the hygiene of Dover Leisure Centre is being arranged after its poor state was discussed among councillors.

The tough action is being taken after Peter Ward, of Balfour Road, presented his 500 signature strong petition about its future to the scrutiny committee on Tuesday night.

A wad of pictures showing mould, cracked tiles and other defects were shared among members and officers, who agreed that something must be done.

Questions about the council-owned building were directed to Roger Walton, Dover District Council’s director of environment and corporate assets.

Mr Walton said: “DLC is past its sell by date and this is something that has been recognised for a little while.”

He said if nothing is done and the Townwall Street building remains as it is, it will cost between £1-2m to maintain over the next two years.

The premises is run by independent company Your Leisure.

It was suggested that cosmetic works should be done on the inside while decisions are made about its future.

“The entire pool could do with re-tiling,” Mr Walton said.

“I am not suggesting we put up with the current state, it is unacceptable but the building is still looking very tired.”

Cllr Peter Wallace said: “People care about the sports centre. I recommend that we have a public meeting as soon as we have something to say.”

“We need to keep everyone involved,

'I recommend that we have a public meeting as soon as we have something to say.' - Cllr Peter Wallace

Mother of two, Charmaine Simmons, was the only resident present.

She said: “Something has got to be done, it has gone downhill year after year.”

Chairman Kevin Mills said the council should do an inspection of the premises and include a group from the public.

Mr Ward has been invited to attend and has already asked people in his Facebook group to suggest things to look out for.

The findings will then be presented in a meeting, when managing director of YL Steve Davis will be invited to answer questions.

A leisure review, which has input from Sport England, has been completed over the summer and is set to be presented to the cabinet committee by early October.

The recommendation to cabinet was that the public be heard as a priority before the cabinet makes any decisions.