The cost of building a new multi-million pound swimming pool on the gateway to Worthing town centre has been thrown into question.

People opposed to the construction of the complex at Teville Gate feared residents could be paying for the pool for decades to come.

They pointed to the fact that consultants Capita had warned that a pool leased back from developers over a prolonged period would not be "financially advantageous" to the borough council.

Capita had calculated that it might cost an extra £3 million compared to the £15.8 million for a pool and refurbished leisure centre at West Park, off Shaftesbury Avenue.

Coun James Doyle, a member of the Liberal Democrat opposition, last night told a town hall meeting: "We are seriously concerned about the cost of a swimming pool at Teville Gate. None of us like paying ever-increasing council tax bills. We are responsible for what comes out of your pocket."

Coun Bob Smytherman, leader of the Lib Dems, said: "Are we writing (the developers) a blank cheque?"

But Coun Keith Mercer, leader of the ruling Tory party, said people voicing concerns about how much a pool at Teville Gate might cost were being premature.

He said the Lib Dems, by calling in the scheme for further scrutiny at such an early stage, had delayed negotiations with developers, who also want to build a 21-storey tower block on the site.

Coun Mercer said: "Once the negotiations have taken place, we shall have a much better idea of the financial position of the swimming pool plan for Teville Gate."

The majority of people in the public gallery were concerned that the existing Aquarena complex on East Worthing seafront would be turned into a block of flats.

Many believed a new pool should be constructed on the Aquarena site, which would preserve the neighbouring children's paddling pool, even though it might mean Worthing not having public swimming facilities for up to two years.

Ted Kennard, vice-chairman of the Worthing Society conservation group, said: "The swimming pool should, we believe, be by the sea.

"The proposal to allow the developer to construct a pool which would then be leased by Worthing Borough Council for a long period could create a can of worms."

Coun Steven Waight, who chaired the overview and scrutiny committee meeting, said: "One of the prime objectives of this administration has been the redevelopment of Teville Gate.

"One of the things the public has told us time and time again is they are fed up with the state of Teville Gate.

"They have been pressing us to do something about it.

"The whole point of having a swimming complex there is warmly welcomed by the overwhelming majority of people in this town."