A GROUND-breaking exercise started off work for a new swimming pool and health and fitness suite.
Thame Town Mayor Don Butler, dug-out the first piece of turf at Thame's Sports and Arts Centre, Oxford Road, to start off the multi-million pound project on Monday.
Workmen, town councillors and South Oxfordshire District Councillors were among the spectators who applauded as Cllr Butler dug into the ground with a silver spade.
Earlier, Eleanor Hards, chairman of the district council, said how proud the district council was in being a member of the partnership.
She said: "The dream of a pool in Thame is becoming a reality."
The project is one of the first in the country to use the Partnering Project Contract 2000 which sees contractors working alongside the councils.
Up to £4 million will be used on the swimming pool and a further £1.3 million on the fitness suite, with money coming from Thame Town Council selling off other land for £7.2 million.
It is hoped the 25 metre, five-lane pool and facility will be open by August 2002.
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