Further redevelopment - worth over £5m - is to take place at Omagh leisure centre, the local council has said.

The decision follows a completed project to extend the complex, and refurbish the main entrance and cafe.

Omagh District Council now says it is committed to continue with further refurbishment works.

"The council recognises the need for Omagh to have a state-of-the-art leisure complex and the existing facility requires refurbishment and upgrading to bring it up to standard required in the 21st century," said a spokesman for the authority.

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Under the works an upgrade of the swimming pool and associated plant will be carried out. A new children's pool will also be be built and a minor hall will be updated.

"These are the key facilities at the core of Omagh Leisure Complex and are the most used facilities there," said the council spokesman.

Detailed designs will be drafted before any on-site works are progressed.

Council Chairman Patrick McGowan said that the decision to invest in the leisure infrastructure was a prudent one, and is in line with the council's obligation.

"Local government has a statutory responsibility to provide leisure facilities and this will continue to be the case following the Review of Public Administration," he said.

"The investment on refurbishing and redeveloping the Leisure Complex, which will cost in the region of £5.3m, is a prudent investment by the council to build on the existing provision and, in response to customer demand, ensure that the facilities in Omagh meet the requirements of the 21st century leisure user," added the chairman.

(PR/JM)