A leisure centre swimming pool has been shut in the middle of its busiest period after diarrhoea problems.

The Swallows in Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, reportedly closed the pools and asked guests to leave this afternoon.

This affects children off for the school summer holidays too.

James Reynolds, contract manager for Swale Community Leisure which runs the centre, said: “The swimming pools at Swallows Leisure Centre have been closed as a precautionary measure to allow for cleaning after a small number of reported diarrhoea cases in the local area.

“The pools will reopen once the cleaning has been completed and water quality tests conducted.

“All other facilities remain open as normal.

“We would like to remind all our customers that babies or toddlers must wear a swim nappy in the pool and ask anyone who has had diarrhoea to refrain from swimming in any public pool for until at least 14 days after the symptoms have cleared up.”

A spokesman estimated it could be closed for up to a week, subject to the water quality test results.

If you've been affected by the closure, get in touch via sittingbourne@thekmgroup.co.uk