The Alliance Party has slammed plans to demolish the Robinson Centre in east Belfast.

Subject to the outcome of an ongoing judicial review, Belfast City Council has confirmed a report has highlighted that extensive work would be required to deal with significant levels of asbestos and legionella present in the building to make it safe for use.

However, the Alliance Pary is calling for accurate costings and a timescale to be provided to renovate the centre to be drawn up.

Councillor Michael Long said: "I do not believe that the proposal to demolish the centre is acceptable as it will leave East, and much of South, Belfast with one Council run pool for a period of up to four years. It would also result in the decimation of the city's swimming clubs making it almost impossible for elite swimmers to train adequately in Belfast.

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"Alliance obviously supports the need to address the issue of asbestos and legionella and this should be done, but we believe that the projected costs and timescales could be much reduced and enable provision to be restored within a reasonable period, allowing ratepayers to have an additional use out of the centre until a replacement is provided."

In a statement the Belfast City Council said: "The council has already approved an investment of £105 million in its leisure estate and is committed to ensuring the highest standards in new facilities across the city. Interim measures for the east of the city are also under consideration.

"A new centre for the area will represent a significant enhancement in the leisure facilities available in the future. We will be talking to local residents about what is planned."