THE influence of elite clubs is set to improve the diving programme at the National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace in time for the re-opening of the facility next summer.

A meeting last week decided that British Swimming – the sport’s governing body – will analyse established elite diving clubs, such as Southampton Diving Academy, the City of Sheffield, Plymouth Diving and the City of Leeds, to decide the best way to move the current programme at London’s only diving facility forward.

British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes stated: “British Swimming’s primary focus has always been the needs of the athlete.

“We want to make sure that an improved, vibrant and sustainable programme is in place and with the support of Greenwich Leisure Limited, London Development Agency and Sport England we will certainly be able to achieve this in time for the facility re-opening next summer.”