A CAMPAIGN could be launched to build an Olympic-sized swimming pool in the central area of North Somerset. Cllr Bob Steadman was one of more than 100 people to attend a recent meeting at Backwell School to discuss the future of leisure and sports facilit

A CAMPAIGN could be launched to build an Olympic-sized swimming pool in the central area of North Somerset.Cllr Bob Steadman was one of more than 100 people to attend a recent meeting at Backwell School to discuss the future of leisure and sports facilities in the district.Afterwards, he told the North Somerset Times that many people at the meeting were keen to see improved swimming facilities.Cllr Steadman said that during the meeting, it was mentioned that there are no Olympic-sized swimming pools in the South West region which are open to the public.So the Nailsea councillor has decided to explore the possibility of building a 50-metre pool where aspiring Olympic champions could perfect their strokes.Cllr Steadman said: "It struck me that rather than just build another 25-metre pool, it would be better for us to be a bit more ambitious and create a centre of excellence in our area."With the Olympics in 2012, there might be an opportunity to do that."At the moment, promising young swimmers are having to travel miles to do their training."I'm going to talk to my colleagues to see if we can launch a campaign to build a 50-metre pool."Because there's a need for such a facility in the region, I'm wondering if the idea might be supported by neighbouring councils."I'm not saying the pool would have to be in Nailsea. It could be built in Nailsea, Backwell's pool could be rebuilt, or the pool could be located elsewhere in the central area of North Somerset."What is needed is the best facility, in the best place, accessible to most people, wherever that might be."In December, an application from Nailsea Swimming Pool Interest Group to build a swimming pool at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre in Nailsea was granted outline planning permission.