A swimming club has been awarded just £100 compensation after a watchdog found Braintree Council had treated it unfairly.

The Witham Dolphins claimed it had been overcharged £41,000 for the use of Bramston Sports Centre's pool in the late 1980s, because it only got a one-third discount whereas other clubs got up to two-thirds off.

Dolphins chairman and Chelmsford councillor Duncan Lumley noticed the discrepancy about 18 months ago and after taking the matter up with Braintree Council complained to the Local Government Ombudsman.

The council watchdog found there was evidence of maladministration by Braintree Council. But it said the council should pay Mr Lumley just £100 compensation for his time and effort.

A spokesman for the Local Government Ombudsman said: "The complaint was investigated and decided last month, but it's not a public report, it was decided by letter and no public information was released.

"It was settled by agreement with the council in the majority of cases where we find evidence of maladministration we urge the council to settle the case with the complainant, which is what has happened in this case."

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette