Cherwell District Council's executive heard that progress on the district's revamped and rebuilt leisure centres has been "excellent".

It's exactly a year since the leisure centres were transferred to Parkwood Leisure and the programme remains on target and within budget.

At the meeting, Councillor James Macnamara, Cherwell's portfolio holder for resources, congratulated the team involved in the leisure centre project. His comments were echoed by council Leader, Councillor Barry Wood who added: "It's taken lots of hard work to develop this, and once again this council is delivering on its projects."

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The refurbishment of the outdoor pool at Woodgreen is progressing well, despite poor weather slowing work in February. The contractor, Leadbitter Construction, is working hard to ensure that lost time is made up and plans are coming together to reopen the pool in time for the summer holidays.

The refurbished and enhanced Bicester Leisure Centre, and Kidlington and Gosford Leisure Centre are expected to be fully reopened to the public in mid May. The official reopening of Bicester Leisure Centre is on 13 June and Kidlington and Gosford Leisure Centre is on 20 June, with a host of celebration events lined up including a free open day.

The new Spiceball Leisure Centre is on track to open in early 2010 following the recent topping out ceremony that marked completion of the highest part of the structure. The building is fast becoming a prominent feature of the Banbury skyline.

(CD/JM)