An £11m replacement of the crumbling Morden Park Pool could be axed as Merton Council struggles to balance its books in a new era of austerity.

Despite ceiling tiles crashing to the floor, lengthy closures due to boiler problems, and most recently a leaky pool, councillors claim they may be forced to patch up the rundown leisure centre.

Cash had been earmarked for a new facility, but the Labour administration is reviewing the proposal’s viability after taking local power in May – despite leading a four-year campaign for a new pool.

Conservative councillors – who approved the funding for a new centre – are furious the council is reneging on its commitment and accusing Labour of hypocrisy.

But Councillor Martin Whelton, Merton Council’s cabinet member for community and culture, said: “We don’t want to make promises we can’t keep and have to assess all of our options given the financial constraints and budget cuts we face.”

He added the leisure centre would not be shut down without a replacement being built and the council would only consider options that retained a swimming pool on the Morden Park site.

But Conservative councillors approved long-term capital funding for the new pool on the basis that propping up the pool was not financially sustainable.

Councillor Samantha George, shadow cabinet member for community and culture said: “It’s just mind-boggling. We’ve left them the money for a new pool but when Labour decides to spend £4m on wheelie bins, it’s difficult to know what their spending priorities are.”

Leader of Merton Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “It’s cheeky of Samantha George to make those comments given she opposed recommendations to build a new pool four years ago, and then let it fall apart until just before the election.”

A decision over the project’s future is expected in October.