Casual swimmers at pools in Ashton, Hindley, Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Hindley and Ashton, are feeling the squeeze as groups which used to train at the International Pool on Library Street have to be accommodated elsewhere.


One disgruntled swimmer is furious that Howe Bridge sports centre in Atherton will now be closed to the public for periods during peak time for three nights a week while Wigan Pool's School of Excellence gifted swimmers use the facility.


David Richmond, of Thorn Lea in Atherton, said: "As a frequent and loyal user of Howe Bridge I was annoyed to be told this.
"As a keen sportsman I understand that these individuals should be given every opportunity to realise their potential. But why should this be at the cost to the rest of us?
"The early evening is the time of day when the general public use the pool, whether for fitness or as a family outing.
"I am aware the Scheme of Excellence swimmers previously used Wigan pool before its closure. However, to use Howe Bridge three evenings a week at peak time is unreasonable. I have been told that we will have to wait in excess of two years – when the new pool in Wigan will open – before we can revert to the previous timetable.


"This could result in many people giving up their hobby, rather than travelling around the borough to find an alternative, which in turn will have implications for the future of the Howe Bridge Sports Centre.
"It seems ironic that Andy Burnham, Minister for Culture, has been promoting free swimming for all and the Sports Unlimited initiative to encourage people to participate in sport regularly."


Howe Bridge will now be unavailable on Tuesdays from 5pm, Thursdays from 5.30pm and Fridays from 6pm.


A spokesperson for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, who run the Borough's sports centres, said: "Long-standing swim sessions by the Scheme of Excellence have been distributed among the borough's five swimming pools to minimise disruption.

"Although some have been slightly reduced there are still a lot of time slots to choose from.
"At Howe Bridge casual swimming sessions are: Monday from 9am until 8pm, Tuesday 7.30am until 5pm, Wednesday 12pm until 7.30pm, Thursday 7.30am until 5.30pm and Friday 1pm until 6pm. Casual swim sessions are also still available on a Saturday 10am until 3.30pm and Sunday 9am until 3.30pm.

"Revised swimming timetables are on display at our Active Life leisure centres and we also urge members of the public to check our website to clarify any changes to their times.
"We value the Scheme of Excellence as highly as we value encouraging people of any age to swim in our pools to enjoy a healthier happier life.

"In two years we will have a fantastic facility for the benefit of everyone in the borough but before then we can only ask people to bear with us as we endeavour to try and accommodate the many clubs, classes and people who want to swim."