Freedom Leisure who operate the Summerfields swimming pool have this week confirmed that the small pool, which had been closed to swimmers until 8.30am will now once again be opened from when the centre opens at 6.15am. 

The management had introduced new opening hours for the small pool, which is mainly used by older and disabled swimmers in the morning, claiming it could not be open until 8.30am due to insufficient staff.

MP Michael Foster, who is Minsiter for Equalities, contacted Freedom Leisure to remind them that under the Disability Discrimination Act they were obliged to make reasonable adjustments to provide for those with disability and happily they have now agreed.

The pool reopened to the public from 6.15am on Wednesday of this week.  Regular users of the pool were delighted with the outcome. 

Eileen King, 88, said “I was really pleased when the MP agreed to take this up.  It’s important for we older folk and also those with disabilities to be able to use the small pool and I’m glad that Freedom Leisure have seen the point”.