A DECISION to cut opening times at swimming pools in West Devon, which last month sparked outrage among swimmers, has been changed.

The cost-cutting move, agreed by West Devon Borough Council and contractors Leisure Connection, was slammed by regular users at the two pools, who claimed they had not been consulted about the changes.

The later opening times and earlier closing times at Meadowlands and Parklands in Tavistock and Okehampton were due to be implemented on April 1.

But last month the borough's environment committee agreed the opening hours should be looked at again, although stressing that £20,000 must still be saved.

The council admitted that there had been a breakdown in communications between customers, the council and the contractors.

A spokesperson for Leisure Connections this week said that despite recognising that hours had to be cut in order to facilitate savings in the borough council budget, it had been possible to maintain three early morning sessions and two evening sessions at Parklands, and three early morning and three evening sessions at Meadowlands.

The spokesman said that as a result of user concerns, the company had re-instated Friday morning early opening at the Tavistock pool.

At Okehampton, the late night session on Monday and the early session on Wednesday had been re-instated.

The changes are due to take effect from Tuesday May 3.

Parklands opening hours will then be: Monday, 8am-10pm; Tuesday, 7am-10pm; Wednesday, 7am-9pm; Thursday, 7am-9pm; Friday, 8am-9pm; Saturday, 9am-4pm; Sunday, 10am-7pm.

Meadowlands opening hours will be: Monday, 8am-9pm; Tuesday, 7am-8pm; Wednesday, 8 am-9pm; Thursday,7am-9pm; Friday, 7am-7pm; Saturday, 8am-4pm; Sunday, 9am-4pm.