Supporters of Medway’s only outdoor pool have called on the council to reverse a decision to slash the opening hours.

The petition “Keep the Strand Lido, Gillingham, open for all” was submitted at a meeting on Thursday night.

More than 5,000 supporters signed the petition, which read: “Medway Council has drastically slashed the opening hours for the Strand Lido this summer with zero public consultation.

“The popular lido will no longer be open during weekdays during term time.

“Lido users and local residents were not consulted and information about the change to the lido’s opening hours were buried deep in the council’s website. Lidos are booming and are becoming increasing popular across the country. They clearly didn’t get the memo!

“Medway Council quote cost-cutting measures are needed and have not looked at other ways to keep the lido open in the week.

“Medway Council do not publicise the lido and it’s not actively promoted, which is a massive shame. It’s a real gem which we are so lucky to have. Use it or lose it.”

The council sparked anger by reducing opening to just weekends until yesterday (Sunday) but the pool will be open daily from this week until Sunday, September 4, between 11am to 5pm during the school holidays.

For a number of years, the pool had been open from 8.30am to 7pm, seven days a week.