Residents across the Towns are angry at Medway Council’s decision to slash the Strand swimming pools' opening hours.

The council has announced on their website that the lido will only be open during weekends from Saturday, until Sunday, July 24, and will then open daily until Sunday, September 4, between 11am to 5pm.

But for a number of years the pool has been open from 8.30am to 7pm, seven days a week and residents are angry that the changes were made without a public consultation.

Jackie Wright, of Sylvan Road, Rainham, said: “Not only have the hours been reduced, it appears the pool will not be open at all for weekdays during the period May 28 to July 24.

"Given that the Met Office long range forecast suggests that June will enjoy above average temperatures, into the thirties, this seems to be a remarkably poor decision.

“My understanding of government policy is that there is a determination to increase levels of fitness and activity for children, young people and the older generation.

"What better exercise and feeling of well-being is there than swimming in salt water and fresh air at the Strand?”

Mrs Wright emailed Bob Dimond, head of sport, leisure and tourism at Medway Council to complain about the decision.

Mr Dimond said: “Over the past two years we have tried many different options in regards to the opening times of the swimming pool at The Strand. These included earlier opening times as well as later closing times in an attempt to increase participation levels.

“Unfortunately, these additional opening hours proved unpopular and were poorly attended, other than on exceptionally warm and sunny days.”

He also said that there had been too many occasions when the number of staff on duty at the pool outweighed the number of customers using it.

The pool will be open everyday during the main school summer holidays.

Mr Dimond added: “We will also open the pool when the meteorological office forecasts it will be warm and sunny. We will use a three-day forecast with a base temperature of 24C as our guide."

Cllr Andy Stamp, Medway Labour group’s regeneration and communities spokesman, said: “The council would have known at the end of last summer what the income from the swimming pool was, so they have had almost nine months to carry out a public consultation about reviewing the opening times.

“But there was no consultation. No communication. And no explanation. The public have been treated with contempt and the only way they found out about these cuts is via a low-key message buried in the depths of the council website, which is totally unacceptable.”

Entry to the pool costs £4.90 for adults, aged 16 or over, and £3.10 for juniors and seniors.