by Nicola Forman

The first stages of the £500,000 Swallows Leisure Centre refurbishments were officially unveiled at the weekend.

The centre now has a new look pool hall and family changing village thanks to investment from Swale council and Serco Leisure which runs the centre.

Features include, communal and private cubicle showers, lockers and vanity area, disabled changing rooms and toilets, new flooring and water supply.

At the poolside there is an interactive pirate ship, wave machine and handrails.

It was opened by the Mayor of Swale, Councillor Adrian Crowther and Gerry Lewin, acting chairman of Swale Community Leisure Limited.

Artist Wendy Daws is creating a living art mural featuring the local people of Sittingbourne depicted as shadows for the walls of the pool.

Cllr Lewin said: “We are proud to have had such sums invested into Swallows. “The leisure pursuits of the community are important to us and we strive to provide a full and varied programme in a friendly and welcoming leisure centre.”