Council puts decision to end ladies only swim on equality grounds on hold

A local authority is to reconsider its decision to change a ladies only swim to an adult only swim at one of its leisure centres, it has been reported.

The original decision followed a complaint by a member of the public of a breach of equalities legislation, it has been reported.

In a notice, a copy of which is on the BBC website, Stroud District Council said it was “ensuring that we comply with the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Equality Act 2010”.

The change at the Pulse Leisure Centre in Dursley, Gloucestershire, was due to take place on 6 September. Stroud told the BBC that it hoped people would “understand we have to abide by the law”.

However, the council has since told Gloucestershire Live: “There has been a strong response to our decision to end the ladies only swimming sessions after we received a complaint alleging that we were breaching equalities legislation.

"With the benefit of hindsight we should have taken legal advice and more time to consider our response rather than acting so quickly.

"The new swimming timetable is due to start in September so we will be taking the next few weeks to consult with our customers directly to get their views before we decide on what to do.”