Sadiq Khan has chastised Barnet Council for raising “false hope” in the borough over their expectation he would be able to help fund a new diving centre.

When a public campaign to keep diving boards at the upcoming replacement for Copthall leisure centre in Mill Hill was defeated, the council pledged £500,000 towards a separate diving centre elsewhere.

The council suggested, at the decisive meeting in December, the Mayor of London could be another source of funding for the project, as well as charities, sports organisations and private donations.

READ MORE: Save Barnet Diving supporter and BBC Sport diving commentator Bob Ballard blasts Barnet Council decision

Mr Khan has responded saying he was not consulted over whether he would have the funding to contribute to diving in Barnet.

He said: “Barnet Council is responsible for the decision it has taken regarding diving at the Copthall centre and must be accountable for this decision.

“I do not have funding to build a new diving facility in Barnet and it would have been advisable for the council to have checked before taking its decision, otherwise there is a danger of raising false hope among local people.”

Labour’s Andrew Dismore, London assembly member for Barnet, accused the council of “desperately deflecting blame” for their decision on to Mr Khan.

He said it was the “duty of the council” to make sure diving facilities were provided by the borough.

The Conservative-controlled Barnet Council hit back at Mr Dismore, accusing him of “playing politics” with the future of diving in North London.

Leader of the council, Cllr Richard Cornelius said: “I offered an olive branch to Mr Dismore so we could put aside our differences and do what’s best for all our residents across North London.

“That offer still stands but he clearly thinks playing the blame game and scoring political points are more important.

“I’m disappointed he’s chosen to play politics with the future of diving in North London.”

READ MORE: Barnet Council votes against Save Barnet Diving at Hendon Town Hall meeting

The council is set to spend £35 million replacing Copthall leisure centre with a new state-of-the-art facility and two new leisure centres in the borough.

Mr Cornelius said he has written to Sport England, the Amateur Swimming Association, the Greater London assembly and Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, to ask for their help.

Save Barnet Diving campaigners have set up a committee to figure out how to generate funding for the new diving centre.