A decision is due this tonight on a controversial multi-million pound redevelopement of a sports centre, amid a row over the removal of a diving board.

Waltham Forest Planning Committee will meet at the town hall this evening to discuss the plans for Waltham Forest Pool & Track in Walthamstow.

Objections have been received from campaigners, residents and parents after it was discovered that the 5m diving board was to be removed from the new 'state of the art' facility.

Iain Duncan Smith MP has joined the call to save the board, which has enabled people to practice high board diving in the borough for more than 40 years.

He said: “I have been approached by several of my constituents who are involved with the Waltham Forest Diving Club (WFDC), Scuba Club and Gators Club and who are very concerned about this.

“I also understand from residents that there has been a lack of stakeholder consultation in developing these plans. I am very concerned that a large number of my constituents will lose an important leisure facility if these diving facilities are not re-instated.”

Olympic diver Pete Waterfield also urged the council to ensure the diving board is kept in the borough.

Waltham Forest council has cited cost as the reason for leaving high board diving out of the new facility, which will offer a sauna and two swimming pools.

A high board is available for divers at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park.