VILLAGERS awaiting a multi-million pound sports centre in Cambourne have been dealt a blow after the building schedule was pushed back. At a public meeting in June, Leisure Connection promised to provide a sports centre in Cambourne by September 2008. So

VILLAGERS awaiting a multi-million pound sports centre in Cambourne have been dealt a blow after the building schedule was pushed back.

At a public meeting in June, Leisure Connection promised to provide a sports centre in Cambourne by September 2008.

South Cambridgeshire District Council agreed planning permission for the new facilities and building work was due to start next month, with the long-awaited opening in late 2008.

However, it has emerged that the Cambourne Consortium of developers has applied to put the deadline back to March 2009.

The centre will have a health floor with room and gym equipment for about 100 people, a dance, drama and aerobatics suite, solarium, sauna, and steam room.

However, the latest date for building work to start is now spring 2008.

David Chare, project director for the Cambourne Consortium, said the delay was "regrettable".

He added: "The Leisure Connection scheme to build the sports centre at Cambourne is an exciting project, which will be a fantastic addition to the already first class sporting facilities we have in Cambourne.

"Any delay in providing those facilities is regrettable but it will be difficult for Leisure Connection to start work on the site before next spring because there are a number of planning conditions to clear, working drawings to be prepared, building regulations to be approved and material and labour to be mobilised.

"It is anticipated work will start on site next spring and take a year to complete."

SCDC has recommended the change of dates be approved.