HUDDERSFIELD leisure officials have hit back at criticisms over swimming pool timetables.

Concerns over pool opening hours at the Stadium Leisure Complex were raised earlier this week.

People complained that the facility is only available to use for 37.5 hours out of an 80 hour week – less than 50% of the time.

But a spokesman for Kirklees Active Leisure said that, while they accept that the pool at Stadium is not always available to the casual swimmer, the pool is in use from 7am until 11pm every day by both the public and various schools and swimming clubs.

Block bookings appear as blanks on the pool’s timetable so as not to advertise the time for public use – securing a space for groups that include many young swimmers.

The spokesman said it was essential to provide the opportunity for children to take part in activities such as swimming by allowing schools and clubs to train in their centres.

The Borough of Kirklees Swimming Club use the pool during the evenings and at weekends, and Huddersfield Grammar School is one of a number of schools who use the pool in the week.

Adult, junior and disabled lessons also take place at times when the timetable appears to be blank.

A spokesperson for KAL said: “Whilst we welcome all comments made by our customers and the general public, we feel that in this case we have utilised our swimming pools to the maximum benefit of all parties concerned.”

For more information about the services and facilities provided by Kirklees Active Leisure consult http://kirkleesactive.co.uk