PROTESTS against strict rules that have been introduced at a Maidstone swimming pool gained weight when councillors branded the measures "a storm in a tea cup".

A group of 20 protesters attended Maidstone Borough Council's full council meeting on Wednesday to hand in a 350-signature petition to councillors.

The group are angry at new rules introduced at Maidstone Leisure Centre which they say prevent them from taking their children swimming.

The centre, managed by Serco on behalf of the council, is believed to be the first in the county to introduce the strict new policy, which states that every child aged three and under must be accompanied in the water by one adult on a one-to-one basis. An adult over 16 must also accompany four to seven-year-olds on a two-to-one basis.

The recommendations were introduced by the Institute of Sport and Recreation and are supposed to make children safer.

Carolyn Warner has spearheaded the campaign against the new rules after being turned away from the leisure centre in late March with her children, Aaron, five, and Kieran, 19 months.

Mrs Warner, of Vinters Park, Maidstone, was allowed five minutes to speak at the meeting before the discussion was thrown open to councillors.

During the debate not one member said they wholeheartedly supported the introduction of the new rules.

Cllr Paddy Germain (Con) said: "This is a storm in a tea-cup. We should support this petition and get on with business.”

Cllr Alan Chell (Con) said: "Maidstone Borough Council prides itself on taking a stand in national issues and I think we should stem the tide on these ridiculous new rules. I think we should support Mrs Warner and recommend they drop these plans."

Cllr Paul Oldham (Con) added: “I believe the public should be listened to first because I'm not convinced there is a need for these changes."

Mrs Warner said she was delighted by the response received from councillors.

She said: "I was really glad that so many councillors with children across the different political parties stood up to support me."

Cllr Roger Berriman (Lab), cabinet member for recreation and community services, is due to make a decision on whether the council should relax the rules on May 5.