Former changing rooms at Oxford's open air swimming pool are in line for a £315,000 facelift so they can be used as new premises by a playgroup.

The city council's executive board are set to agree funding for the refurbishment at Hinksey Pools, which will provide purpose-built accommodation for the Lake Street Playgroup. Oxford Sub-Aqua Club is also planning to use the refurbished changing rooms.

The Labour-run council is also expected to approve £160,000 for new boilers beneath the outdoor pool, off Abingdon Road.

Boilers broke down at the beginning of the summer season, which meant the water in the pool was below its normal heated temperature of 28 degrees.

Building work started two weeks ago on a new water fountain feature at the old paddling pool next door. The fountain will be ready for use by next May.

The improvements are part of a £5m investment programme for parks and leisure. Executive member for leisure Peter Johnson said: "This is an exciting programme of work that will help make a real difference to Hinksey Pool and our parks."

The board is also being asked to approve a £200,000 parks refurbishment programme, plus £75,000 for three new Streetsport sites -- which include basketball hoops and five-a-side football areas -- at Bertie Place, Ridgefield Road Recreation Ground and Risinghurst.

There are already seven, with an eighth due to open in Rose Hill.

Other park improvements include path repairs, better lighting for Botley Park and mini-golf at Bury Knowle Park in Headington.