ASSURANCES have been given that £50 million leisure plans for a velodrome, 50m swimming pool and four centres, in Derby, are still on track despite pending spending cuts.

At last night's meeting of the city council's cabinet, councillors agreed to progress with plans for a more detailed evaluation of potential sites for the two leisure hubs.

Shortlisted sites for the Olympic-sized swimming pool include the former Debenhams and Becketwell site and the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary land. For the velodrome, sites include the existing land at Moorways Sports Centre, Chaddesden Sidings near Pride Park and the Manor Kingsway area.

Labour group leader Councillor Paul Bayliss raised concerns that the borrowing required to pay for the scheme could be in jeopardy due to national spending cuts.

But cabinet member for leisure and culture, Councillor Alan Grimadell, said the borrowing required was still in place.

Liberal Democrat group leader, Councillor Hilary Jones, also called for the council to ensure that sites chosen for the main hubs would aid regeneration in the city.

Council leader Harvey Jennings said: "We will quite clearly tie this in to regeneration, particularly of hard-to-get-to regeneration areas in this city."

At last night's meeting the cabinet also agreed to allow the member responsible for neighbourhoods, Councillor Chris Poulter, to make the decision on finalising a controversial contract with waste treatment company Resource Recovery Solutions, who would deal with the county's waste for 27 years.

The council's audit and accounts committee had called for the decision to be made by the entire cabinet but it agreed the responsibility should remain delegated with the cabinet member and the council's officers.

Mr Poulter also welcomed a report into the future development of Markeaton Crematorium which had been prepared by a sub-group of the community commission.