News that Halifax, Brighouse and Sowerby Bridge may get brand new swimming pools is undoubtedly good news.

What is ever so suspicious is that the announcement comes just days after council plans for a pool on the site of Sugden's Mill in Brighouse were sunk by a Government inspector.

Campaigners have battled long and hard for new facilities since the roof of the defunct baths in Mill Royd Street began falling down in 2006.

It is not surprising there has been such a hue and cry. Brighouse is lacking any purpose-built community leisure facilities, which for a town of 30,000 is simply not on.

The issue has created an uncomfortable situation for the council. Its failure to resolve the Sugden's issue has only fanned the flames of unrest. Heaven forbid this should turn out to be soundbite politics.

Plans, which would involve splashing £6 million of public funds, would also mean a new start in Sowerby Bridge and Halifax, where land adjoining North Bridge Leisure Centre has been earmarked for a new development. Extra funds are likely to be raised from the sale of the current sites.

The stone has been tossed into the water and the ripples are rapidly spreading outwards.

And with a few small reservations, the announcement has been extremely well received. As would be expected.

Now what is needed is swift and visible progress – and not a gentle crawl as so often befalls capital projects in Calderdale.