First glimpse of £22m pools

This is the first images of a proposed new swimming pool, one of two, which are costing more than £22 million in Sandwell.

The artists impressions of the long awaited facilities have been unveiled as consultation gets under way with residents.

The £8.8 million pool and leisure centre in Tipton is expected to be built on land at the former Little Burton estate off Alexandra Road.

In West Bromwich, the Jesson Playing fields off Old Meeting Street, in Carters Green, have been earmarked for a £13.5 million pool, but the project is now proving controversial.

There were angry scenes yesterday as people living near to the proposed West Bromwich site met with leisure bosses.

They said they were worried the "eyesore" development would lower the value of their homes and flatten a much loved play area and community garden.

The land was gifted to the people of Sandwell for recreational use by the Reverend Jesson years ago, but Sandwell Council is now in talks with the Charity Commission to overcome the loophole.

Donna Ward, of Greswolde Road, said: "When I bought my house I was told that this land could never be built on, that's why I said I would buy the house, now look what they are doing.

Councillor Bob Badham was at the meeting, at the Carters Green Business Centre, and said he would listen to all concerns raised.