Free swimming sessions for children "will return" amid fears Covid restrictions currently in place would lead to a permanent cut in the service.

Residents have been reassured the slots for under 16s in Medway – which are yet to return since leisure facilities reopened last month – have not been permanently scrapped.

A Free Swimming Card scheme run by Medway Council allows youngsters registered to swim for free at the authority-run pools but the cards are not currently being accepted.

The authority says in carrying out a phased reopening of pools, it has "strictly adhered" to Swim England and government guidance to ensure social distancing is followed.

Pools reopened in Medway on July 25 along with many leisure and exercise facilities at centres in the Towns.

Cllr Howard Doe (Con), deputy leader and the council's portfolio holder for community services, said the council is reviewing every day whether it can reopen more facilities for residents to use in line with government advice.

He said: "Our priority at all times is resident safety which has meant the gradual introduction of swimming sessions where it is possible to adhere to social distancing (for example adult lane swimming) before others.

"This in no way means the permanent removal of any sessions."

He said this included the under 16 swimming sessions which allows youngsters to use their cards to access the pools without charge.

"These sessions are amongst those that are yet to resume but they have not been permanently removed," Cllr Doe added.

"I am hopeful that we will be able to see the return of these sessions in early September."

Labour had earlier accused the council of "rescinding" its policy for free sessions and questioned the "longevity of the decision".

Cllr Andy Stamp, the group's spokesman for communities, pushed the council to make an announcement on when free swimming would return.

He added: “Public safety is paramount and must come first. But whilst we appreciate the rationale given by Medway Council and others regarding the complications of maintaining social distancing amongst under-16s, I am concerned that there is a risk the temporary scrapping of free swimming will become a permanent cut. We cannot allow this to happen."

Labour group leader Cllr Vince Maple said the council had not been clear about the change leaving families "understandably disappointed".

He urged the Conservative administration to make sure "Covid restrictions are not used as a guise for permanent cuts".

Cllr Doe responded: "It is utterly inaccurate to say that the council has rescinded its policy on free swimming for under 16s.

"To claim so would be to ignore the fact that we are still emerging from a global pandemic and our facilities are not yet fully open.

"At all times we have sought to keep Medway residents fully informed about any temporary changes to our services, including through our dedicated Coronavirus page on our website and through our social media channels. We will continue to post any appropriate updates as soon as they are available."

He confirmed the council is working hard to find a solution for families not able to participate in "lane swimming" sessions.

"As a result we have set up areas within our pools for family sessions," Cllr Doe said. "As these sessions are run with only one family at a time in attendance there will be a charge for them, however, the price is reduced for Medway Sport Centre members.”

Families of up to four people can book pool sessions with limited numbers able to access the water during each block. A one-hour session costs £20.40 for non Medway Sport members and £11.80 for members.

Full details are available on the council's website and booking information at www.medway.gov.uk/info/200180/sport_centres

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