Swimmers will not be left high and dry with the demolition of Morden Park Pools, the council has assured.

The 33-metre swimming pool in London Road will be replaced by a new Morden Leisure Centre.

Work on the new leisure centre started back in September and it is due to open this autumn, with Merton Council having spent about £13 million on the scheme.

Once the new leisure centre is completed the Morden Park Pools site will be returned to open green space.

This week Merton Council put out a call for a contractor to demolish the pools, which were built in 1967.

The council wants a demolition contractor to start on the project in August.

A council spokeswoman said: “This will ensure a seamless transition for our customers.

“The demolition contractor needs plenty of time to make the necessary preparations to demolish Morden Park Pools which is why we are awarding the contract in August.

“This will have no impact on our customers using Morden Park Pools until the new leisure centre is open.”

As well as a six-lane, 25-metre pool, there will be a 15 metre pool, fitness suite, badminton courts, a studio and café at the new leisure centre.