A “much-loved” charity swimming pool may have to raise its entry prices and reduce class offerings as councillors consider slashing the facility’s annual grant from £100,000 to £80,000.

Visited by close to a quarter-of-a-million people a year and used by dozens of local schools, the centre in Faversham is one of Kent's most popular attractions.

But joint chair of Faversham Pools, Mike Ellsmore, says if Swale Borough Council goes forward with plans to cut its funding, along with grants for several other community groups in the area, the amenity will struggle to cover costs.

“The current annual grant currently comprises 12.5% of our operating budget and has in the past helped us to provide an affordable swimming experience for our users,” said Mr Ellsmore.

“The reduction of £20,000 will mean that we will have to review our opening times and our prices.

“We are very reluctant to increase ticket prices at a time when many households are facing severe financial pressures and it would be very disappointing to be forced to reduce the services we offer.

“Perhaps most significantly, the reduction will reduce our ability to raise capital investment for our rapidly ageing pools.”

Mr Ellsmore noted that while the charity is grateful for the support it has received from the council, the proposed funding cut would reduce the grant to 2009 levels.

Faversham Pools first opened in 1964, its outdoor pools having been funded entirely by the local community.

With help from Swale Borough Council, the centre added an indoor pool in 1993.

It offers a range of swimming lessons and courses to people of all ages and abilities, and as is also used for competitive swimming with Faversham Swim Club.

The annual grant provided by the council helps the charity to keep prices low for local families.

But faced with funding cuts of its own, the local authority will make a decision on the reduction of the pool's grant in a budget meeting on February 22.

Mr Ellsmore added: “While we are very sympathetic to the financial situation Swale finds itself in, this reduction will severely challenge the trustees’ ability to provide Faversham and its surrounding areas with a modern and up to date facility."

Swale Borough Council says it has been forced to make some "tough choices to try to balance the books".

A spokesman said: "The proposed cut in funding comes as a response to the pressures of more and more people coming to us for support with essential things like housing and the cost of living crisis, along with the hugely increased costs we’re facing.

"It’s no secret that the income we receive from the revenue support grant from central government has fallen from £4.1 million in 2014/15 to £120,000 this year, so we’ve got to make some tough choices to try to balance the books.

"We know our services make a real difference which is why we want to invest in improving things like our waste and street cleaning services and keep working hard on those issues that are important to local people.

"To provide the same level of funding as we had in previous years would mean less funding for other services.”

There is still time to have your say on the budget proposals.

The consultation ends on Friday.