A £6.4M REFURBISNMENT scheme for Urmston Leisure Centre will be considered by council chiefs this week.

That is more than three times the level of investment that was originally earmarked for the centre.

The plans are part of the council's commitment, made last November, to invest more than £24m in the borough's leisure facilities.

The council's powerful executive committee will decide on Monday whether to give the green light to the Urmston centre improvements.

The original estimate for the work was £2.1m. But a report that will go to Monday's meeting has come up with a £6m-plus plan for the centre.

The report said this was "due in part to the requirement to undertake additional condition works and due to enhancements in the original scheme proposals."

The report says the design team challenged the original proposals.

It said the revised scheme "supports a much improved and larger Urmston Leisure Centre."

The plans include a larger fitness space, rather than reducing the sports hall; a new reception area, an improved viewing area for the pool; a new first floor area for soft play and fitness areas; and improved parking facilities.

The council plans to close nearby George H Carnall Leisure Centre in Davyhulme, and this has sparked a large scale protest.

The ruling Conservative group has said it has no intention of closing George Carnall until the refurbishment of Urmston has been completed.

Plans to upgrade Sale Leisure Centre will be considered at a later meeting.