ENTREPRENEURS have shattered the dreams of Middlewich residents by choosing Holmes Chapel as the home for their multi-million-pound sports complex.

And it has brought any hope of a much-needed swimming pool in Middlewich crashing down.

MIDPoint Sports Ltd's plans for a £32 million sports complex were delayed in March after negotiations to buy premises in Pochin Way to house it fell through.

For weeks, the directors behind the plans, Michael Davey and Marjory Issatt, reassured residents that an alternative site in the town would be found.

Two sites were earmarked at the beginning of June - one in Middlewich and the other at Broad Lane in Holmes Chapel - as viable locations for the complex.

But Middlewich has lost out after it was announced yesterday, Tuesday, the 23-acre site in Holmes Chapel has been chosen instead and Miss Issatt confirmed that a deal has been completed.

She said: "It is very sad and we are disappointed as we strove to go to Middlewich but Holmes Chapel is the site that is available.

"And at least we have found a site in the area and not had to go to somewhere like Stoke."

Plans for the complex were first announced in February and generated much interest in Middlewich.

The plans were met with approval, especially because they ended 100 years of calls for a swimming pool in the town.

The directors still say that the development is set to be a massive boost for the area as some of the nation's most prestigious sporting events could be held at the complex.

Mrs Issatt added: "We are looking at getting improved bus services so that people in Middlewich can access the facility. But we hope we can have residents' support."

A planning application will be submitted to Congleton Borough Council in the next few weeks.

l What do you think about the news that Middlewich is not going to get a swimming pool after all? Ring Joanna Driscoll on 01606 43333 or email jdriscoll@guardiangrp.co.uk