PEOPLE are being asked for feedback on proposed changes to timetables at three swimming pools across the county.

Customers will be able to give their views on pool programmes at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre, Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre and Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex from today until September 3.

Residents are asked to view the new draft timetables and then feedback through an online survey, which can be accessed by visiting durham.gov.uk

Paper versions of the survey are also available in centres.

The proposed changes are part of the Swim Local Pilot, a national project supported by Sport England aimed at increasing swimming participation and are based on feedback from users who have told the council what activities would make them swim more.

The £1.5 million investment from Durham County Council alongside £540,972 funding from Sport England will see the introduction of new sessions as well as upgrading some facilities.

Su Lewis, projects and transitions manager at the council, said: “Swimming is the largest participation sport in County Durham and this feedback opportunity gives people the chance to give their views on the draft timetables which incorporate the new sessions being introduced. “We believe that the changes being made will encourage even more people to get in the water and become more active.”

A number of new family sessions have already been introduced to keep children entertained throughout the summer holidays, including aquafun sessions, giant obstacle courses and adult and child sessions where children can invent their own games and meet Brock the badger as they build their water confidence.