Wave of fury as female swims end
The council's top lawyers decided the lessons could be discriminatory
Female users of a south Devon swimming pool say they are furious at a decision to allow men to take part in ladies' swimming sessions.

The sessions have been running for nearly 20 years at the Newton Abbot Leisure Centre.

Recently a man challenged Teignbridge District Council alleging that the sessions were discriminatory.

The council has decided to continue the sessions but will allow men in if they insist on joining in.

Legal action

Valerie Benson, who swims regularly at the pool, says it is a ridiculous decision.

"It's defeating the object of the exercise," she said.

"We did put in a petition with 85 signatures on it, they agreed to reinstate it and now they are changing their minds."

Councillor David Cox says he understands the women's annoyance, and that he is actually in favour of women-only sessions.

But he says the council needs to be protected from potential legal action.

He said: "It's difficult, we've obviously got to protect the council from a legal challenge, we are looking at ways we can reinstate the ladies' sessions without contravening the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.

"These sessions are very important and we want people to feel comfortable and we want people who aren't necessarily sporty to be involved in sport ."