Swimmers will be relieved to hear Castle Point Council is to review its admissions policy for the borough's pools.

Parents and users of the pools at Waterside sports centre, Canvey, and Runnymede pool, Thundersley, have complained both to the council and Canvey West area forum the policy was too restrictive.

Borough secretary John Waugh said changes were made to the admission policy in early 2002 after new guidelines were issued by the Institute of Sport and Recreational Management.

The guidelines stated children under the age of eight should be accompanied by a responsible adult of at least 16 years of age.

While one adult might accompany up to two children under the age of eight, children under five should be accompanied on a one-to-one basis.

He said parents and people who take young children to swim at the pools had expressed concerns over the policy.

The matter is due to be investigated by Castle Point's health, highways and leisure overview and scrutiny committee.

Published Thursday, June 12, 2003

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