A veteran swimming coach is pursuing legal action against her council after they rejected a planning application to let her stay in business.

In July the Messenger reported how Denise Calver, of DC Swim School, has been teaching children to swim for 23 years and moved into a covered pool in her back garden in New Barn Road, Longfield, nine years ago.

She was told due to the low number of lessons she wouldn't need planning permission and does admit teaching hours have slightly increased but was still baffled to receive a letter from Dartford council telling her she now needs its authority to carry on as she is.

The 51-year-old, who teaches many local children including a number with learning difficulties, says the vast majority of neighbours are fully behind her — according to the council's figures there were five objections to her retrospective change of use application which cited parking issues and noise, while more than 50 residents wrote letters of support.

Described as a "vital" resource in the village, Mrs Calver is now facing up to the prospect of having to shut her business and, as a result, leave her home.

"I need to appeal this," she said, "It's not as if I have any choice. This is my life."

Mrs Calver is raising money to fund a legal challenge to the council's decision and subsequent a enforcement action demanding she cease teaching immediately. Currently she has collected £1,700 but a barrister will cost her £5,000 for one day.

To donate click here.