Pensioners are protesting over a swimming pool’s new timetable which moves their swims to 6.30am during school holidays.

Members of Active Swim Group, aged 50 and older, meet at Tides Leisure Centre, Park Avenue, Deal, on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am for a one-hour workout in the pool.

During the school holidays, the time of the session changes to 9.30am, which the group believes is amicable.

The leisure centre has publicised its new swimming timetable which will come into play in April.

The Active Swim session has been scheduled for 6.30am, causing concern for the group of 30.

Active Swim member Madeleine Turner, 71, of Mill Road, Deal, said: “It’s unfair to treat us like this. We have a few people in their 90s and a lot of people in their 80s.

"It’s one of the only times they get to socialise.

Mrs Turner has attended the sessions for 10 years, paying £20 a month for membership.

She said: “We just won’t go anymore.”

Kathleen Wilson and her husband, Ronald, have been members at Tides since it opened. Mrs Wilson said: “As we’ve been coming all these years, I think we should have some rights.”

One of the eldest members, Peggy Frost, 92, of Alfred Row, Deal, said: “This group keeps me fit and we’ve got a lovely friendship. All we want is our 9.30am slot back.”

Your Leisure managing director Steve Davis said: “Their sessions have always been moved in the school holidays.

“We’re still in consultation with them.

“We’ve listened to comments and we will be reflecting that in our programme.

“It is not our wish to upset them.”

For the full story, read this week's East Kent Mercury, out tomorrow.