DIGGERS rolled up at the William Penn Leisure Centre in Rickmansworth this week to begin a £3 million refurbishment.

The existing one-storey building will be raised to two levels to accommodate a learner pool, exercise studios, and expanded fitness area equipped with new machines.

The main swimming pool will be replaced with a bigger one, to be heated by solar thermal panels. Improved access for people with disabilities is also included in the plans.

Councillor Chris Whately-Smith, reponsible for leisure and community, said: "We are committed to building a healthy community and William Penn Leisure Centre is already a very successful and popular facility.

"By making this major investment, we can give it a new lease of life and ensure that even more people of all ages will be able to enjoy it for many years to come."

The existing swimming pool is to be closed during the refurbishment but the rest of the building, including the fitness suite, sports hall and squash courts, remains open.

Gee Construction Ltd is conducting the year-long construction programme, due to be completed in early 2008. Among the building team is Robin Bowles, whose father worked on the original William Penn building in the 1970s.

Robin is pictured with councillor Chris Whately-Smith and leader of the council Ann Shaw.

The centre was first opened in 1977 by David Wilkie OBE.