A LONG-awaited scheme to renovate and modernise Troutbeck Bridge pool and leisure centre could be completed by autumn 2013.

The charitable trust which runs the centre says it is now ready to submit plans to the Lake District National Park Authority’s development control committee.

Much to the dismay of local residents, the Lakeland Init-iative and Wellbeing centre (LIFE), at Troutbeck Bridge, closed its doors in December, despite new owners Hazelwood Wellness Company taking it out of administration.

But the charitable company has now released proposals for a renovated, and modernised, centre that it hopes to re-open next year.

Development director David Howell said he was excited about the process: “We’ve been involved for years, working harder and harder to find a solution for bringing back the facility.

“It was not our wish to close down, but we had to because of the money being lost.”

The development would include a complete overhaul of the 25metre pool, a 100-station gym, aerobics studio, relaxation thermal spa, and a sports therapy treatment.

There would also be a junior crèche and nursery.

Around 50 people attended a meeting at which details were revealed, but the news was not welcomed by all.

Coun Heidi Halliday, who represents Ambleside and Grasmere, said: “Many local residents came to the meeting specifically about the building.

“They feel the height would not only spoil their view, but also mean that patrons using the second floor of the building would be able to see into their homes.”

She also expressed worry over the car park, adding: “School, staff, and students currently use the car park and, with the projected visitor figures to the facilities, it was felt that the car park would not be adequate.”

But Mr Howell defended the proposals, and said Hazel-wood Wellness was happy to work with the public.

“I believe the car park will be more than adequate. It is enormous by any standard.

“And everyone loved the idea of the wavy roof, but we are prepared to listen to views, and if we think it is more appropriate to reduce the size, then we will look at doing so.

“We are conscious that locals are our neighbours and we want to be good neighbours, so we will keep people infor-med all the time, by way of public consultation with all interested parties.”