A nine-mile water slide will be built at a popular leisure centre in Bracknell in a bid to get Olympic recognition for the borough.

The ride was inspired by the address of Coral Reef Waterworld – Nine Mile Ride.

Councillors are hoping the £3million attraction, which will be completed in 2012, will spark interest in the little-known sport of water-fluming.

Are you looking forward to trying out the new slide? Have a say here.

Bracknell Forest Council leader Paul Bettison said: “This is an ambitious project, but anyone who thinks it can’t happen underestimates Bracknell.

"We hope to become the hub for water-flumers in the UK and launch a campaign to get this very demanding sport recognised by the Olympic committee.”

Water-flumers use skill and fitness to reach the bottom of the slide as quickly as possible.

Cllr Bettison added: “I can’t wait to have a go on the slide.”

The new ride, which has a working name of Uplift, will be paid for with cash from a sponsorship deal with bank Barclays, whose feel-good advert features a very long slide.

The remaining cost of £2million will be paid for from council reserves, money set by for a rainy day.

Councillor Iain McCracken, executive member for leisure, said: “There are two reasons for cracking on with this slide as quickly as possible.

“Firstly, with the regeneration slowing down we really need to get Bracknell a unique selling point and a long water slide is just the thing.

“Secondly, we thought it would be a something for everyone to look forward to this summer as many families will be tightening their purses and holidaying in the UK.

“This really is a milestone for Bracknell.”

Plans for the slide – the bulk of which will travel through the forest and over playing fields - were put in place after staff reported that visitors often asked about a “nine-mile ride” after getting confused about the venue’s address.

Uplift was approved at a meeting of executive members of Bracknell Forest Council last week.

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