Olympic: Douglas Alexander, centre, meets council leader Cllr Liam Smith and his deputy Cllr Rocky Gill at the pool today

Labour MP Douglas Alexander today visited a £23million leisure centre set to be used by Olympic swimmers this summer.

The shadow foreign secretary toured Becontree Heath Leisure Centre featuring a 25m pool where Olympic water polo teams from overseas will train in the lead-up to the Games.

Mr Alexander met Barking and Dagenham Council leader Liam Smith to discuss how the Olympic host borough is seeking to boost employment and improve regeneration before the greatest show on earth begins in July.

Mr Alexander said: “The Olympics and Paralympics have provided a great chance to tackle the long-term challenges across this part of London.

“The investment that comes with the 2012 Games is giving us the chance to create new jobs, opportunities for training and unemployment.”

Olympic chief Seb Coe officially unveiled the popular leisure centre in Wood Lane featuring a large gym in March.

Cllr Smith said: “Even before the Games have begun, we have seen a massive uptake of active sport across the borough, particularly here at Becontree Health Leisure Centre since it was opened – bringing long-term health benefits for local residents.”

Jon Cruddas, the Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham, added: “In the weeks and months which follow the London Games, we need to make sure the employment, sporting and cultural legacy are an everyday reality for our residents.”