SPORTS clubs in Port Talbot are uniting to fight the council over its plans for the new Afan Lido.

They have called a public meeting to campaign against an "inferior" replacement for the fire-ravaged swimming pool and sports centre.

Next week's meeting is being organised by the Aberavon Lifeguard Club, whose chairman Harry Worth said three other clubs had come out against the council's proposals.

"The council had a consultation but what concerns us is that nothing raised during the consultation has been taken up," said Mr Worth.

"Our club and the Aberavon Swimming Club wanted an eight-lane swimming pool. The council is proposing six, so the new pool will be smaller than Pontardawe's .

"We teach children how to swim and teach them lifesaving and water safety. This is an area that has two rivers, a huge shoreline and two large docks, yet the council wants a smaller pool.

"The sports hall is also going to be smaller than the old one. We used to have an eight badminton court centre now it will only be half that size."

Neath Port Talbot is in negotiations with two private companies to move the replacement to the neighbouring Hollywood Park complex.

Its idea is to have the unopened bowling alley house the new swimming pool, with the rest of the replacement Afan Lido built alongside it, linked to the Apollo Cinema. There are also proposals for a futuristic circular car park, along with new restaurants.

But Mr Worth said many people did not realise they would be getting inferior facilities.

"There will be no spectator galleries in the pool or in the sports centre," he said. "Parents who bring their children to competitions, where are they supposed to go?"

Mr Worth said the club had obtained figures showing an eight-lane pool and eight-court sports centre could be built for £7.5 million.

"The £13.6 million the council says it is costing is a lot of money for what we will get," he added.

Mr Worth said Afan Lido FC and the Aberavon Canoeing Club were also against the plans.

He urged people to attend the public meeting in the Four Winds Hotel on Tuesday, starting at 7.30pm.

A council spokesman said: "We are continuing to develop the plans for the replacement for the leisure and community facility on Aberavon seafront.

"We are currently exploring the most efficient and cost-effective solution to deliver this very important project for the council and for the whole of the local community.

"We want to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for all potential users."

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk