Swimmers are up in arms about "inadequate" shower facilities at a multi-million pound new leisure centre.

A petition signed by nearly 100 members of a swimming club is due to be handed to council officials claiming not enough of the planned showers at Abingdon's £7.8m Phoenix Leisure Centre allow them to strip completely.

They claim that only four individual showers will allow swimmers to bare all, with the main shower block requiring swimmers to keep their costumes on. They also feel they are too far away from the main changing area. Hilary Rothschild, speaking on behalf of both the Early Risers and Relax and Swim groups which meet at the town's existing Old Gaol leisure centre, said: "What has really upset us is inadequate strip-off showers - there are only two, small strip-off cubicle showers for men and two for women.

"We want more showers, where people can strip completely if they wish, and without covering themselves up again to return to the changing rooms."

Vale of White Horse District Council officials have responded to the petition by inviting members of the group to meet the design team.

Karen White, the Vale's chief leisure services officer, said: "I believe this anxiety is founded on a lack of understanding of the plans. A discussion with the design team would help overcome concerns. I can assure them their views will be taken seriously."

Story date: Thursday 23 December

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