DARTMOUTH'S indoor swimming pool project has gone in at the deep end.

Work on the long-awaited £2m scheme began on Tues­day when drilling work at the pool's Townstal site.

The operation to carry out vital investigations into the ground conditions ahead of building work is the culmination of several years hard work, planning and fund raising in the history of project.

Sir Geoffrey Newman, chairman of the pool trustees, said seeing the drilling team set up equipment on the leisure centre car park brought a great feeling of momentum for all those involved in the project.

'We are very excited because it is showing to us all that there is actually something happening here, ' he said.

The ground investigations included a radar search looking for pipes and cables carried out ahead of the drilling, which saw an eight metre deep hole made to determine the structure of the ground below,' said Mr Newman.

'That is extremely important because then the building company can accurately design the foundations, knowing what is underneath the ground,' he said.

'This preparation before the major works can begin is absolutely necessary, especially when you are building a public building and you are dealing with public money.'

All the cash needed for the 25 metre pool is now in place and Kier Construction is expected to begin building in January next year. If all goes well the town could be taking the plunge in the new indoor pool in January 2016.

The construction process has been supported by Devon County Council to the tune of £1.5m, South Hams Council by £400,000 and Dartmouth Town Council by £150,000.

Among those on site to see the drilling begin was town mayor Rob Lyon and district and county councillor Jonathan Hawkins.

Cllr Hawkins paid tribute to the hard work of the trustees who had worked 'tirelessly' towards bringing the vision forward.

Cllr Lyon said: 'The whole town is behind this. It's a very laudable cause, especially with the demise of the outdoor pool.

'The town council has pledged support from its capital and revenue and we wish them well.'

Mr Newman added: 'This is another milestone in the journey towards the town's indoor pool and we are looking forward to the next phase to make it a reality.'