THE NEW POOL: Due to open on June 16.

SWIMMERS using The Quays, the new swimming and diving complex in Southampton, will be able to park for free, leisure chiefs have promised.

Three new car parks are being built around the complex, which is due to open on June 16.

Spaces will be open to all drivers, and parking charges will be in line with all car parks in the city - from 50 pence for an hour.

But those using The Quays will be able to tear off a strip from their parking ticket to get a discount on entry into the swimming and diving complex - making parking effectively free, it has been promised.

The exact discount given by the Quays will be left up to the complex's management, however.

Opposition councillors feared competition for parking spaces - particularly if the new Dell goes ahead in nearby St Mary's - would mean swimmers are forced out.

Rod Anderson, head of city infrastructure, said the scheme was a compromise.

"It's driven by a desire to maximise income during the week. It's not possible to be absolutely confident that the scheme will work but it's the best we can come up with at the moment. We will review it each year and I won't be embarrassed to say then if we've got it wrong."

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