News that Devizes leisure centre will be upgraded to a community campus six years early has been welcomed.

Wiltshire councillors are set to vote next Tuesday on plans to open the campus, which will include access to council services, by October 2012, rather than the middle of 2018.

The campus, next to Devizes School and Wiltshire College, will also be upgraded with the addition of a learner pool attached to the existing swimming pool.

The council’s investment in will include scheduled redecoration and replacement of plant and machinery.

Town councillor Paula Winchcombe said she is delighted to hear the work would be carried out much sooner than planned.

She said: “Anything that secures leisure services for the community can only be a good thing. It is a relief to see the council’s commitment to the Devizes area is being kept.”

The changes were due to be undertaken between 2016 and 2020.

The leisure centre underwent a £2.3 million makeover in 2006, expanding the fitness suite and building a first floor dance studio.

At that time it was owned and run by Kennet District Council but it transferred to Wiltshire Council following the creation of a unitary authority in 2009.