Work on a new £18 million swimming pool has begun – despite contracts for building work at the site not being fully agreed.

Hoardings and earthwork has replaced the paddling pool and playground at the site earmarked for Worthing’s new pool. But Worthing Borough Council has confirmed it has not yet signed the deal for construction staff to begin the main section of the work, saying it is a “complex process”.

Opposition groups have questioned the decision to push on, claiming the work could have been delayed for a few months to allow youngsters to enjoy the paddling pool and playground during the summer holidays.

Council leader Paul Yallop defended the decision, saying: “It’s a big complex project and it’s just taking a little bit longer than expected to get the final tenders completed.

“It’s a major scheme and I’m not sure it is in the taxpayers’ interest to be pressing ahead with things until all of the i’s have been dotted and the t’s have been crossed. But work has begun there and we are getting ready for the main body of construction to begin. We’re expecting news shortly.”

Coun Yallop added he was unsure if the delay would mean a finish date of spring 2013 would have to be put back.

The Tory council leader was quizzed about the progress of the pool at a meeting of the Adur and Worthing joint overview and scrutiny committee with Lib Dem councillor Bob Smytherman saying: “It’s puzzling how the council has taken on this much work without actually signing a contract.

“We’re about to come up to the summer holidays so you would have thought the council, knowing it hadn’t got everything sorted, could have delayed the works and allowed access to the playground for the peak months.”