Claims that women-only swimming sessions breach sexual discrimination laws have led to a policy review at mid-Essex leisure centres.
The review follows a complaint to Witham's Bramston Sports Centre from town resident James Parry.
Mr Parry complained that people who work during the day, especially men, are effectively discriminated against because of overcrowding at the evening sessions they are allowed to attend.
Mr Parry, of Wickham Road, said: "The relatively small pool and the restrictive timetable means there is insufficient capacity to meet the needs of Witham's growing population.
"The evening sessions tend to become over-full and this is disruptive to those of us who wish to swim for health and fitness reasons. Consequently, those of us who have to work during the day do not receive a very satisfactory service."
Denis Housden, Braintree Council's head of corporate projects, confirmed there would be a review of the timetables at public leisure facilities operated for the council by DC Leisure.
He added: "We don't want to disadvantage or discriminate against anybody - we want to sit down and arrive at a solution that everybody's happy with."
Published Thursday, November 25, 2004
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