Angry parents set up a petition to fight a ban on private one to one swimming tuition at Largs pool.

Now, KA Leisure have responded by annoucing they will provide individual lessons in Largs in the new year.

Louise Milligan set up a petition on the change.org website and, having gained momentum via Facebook, has received 468 signatures.

The web link is here- https://www.change.org/p/north-ayrshire-leisure-limited-remove-the-ban-on-private-swimming-lessons-at-ka-leisure-pools-or-provide-one-to-one-lessons-with-an-instructor-in-the-pool?just_created=true Louise Milligan stated: “Every child has a right to learn to swim. All children learn differently, some are happy in group classes and some are more comfortable in a one to one lesson. Many children feel more confident and attain faster in a one to one lesson, where all of the lesson time is spent focussing on the needs of the individual child. KA Leisure only provide group lessons with the instructor outside of the pool. If members of the public want a one to one lesson with the instructor in the pool the only choice is to hire a private instructor with appropriate credentials, or go to a pool in Inverclyde.

“KA Leisure are now banning private lessons stating that they take business away from KA Leisure - this is patently false as they do not provide this type of swimming lesson. They are effectively monopolising swimming lessons in the public pools. The children that were having private lessons were paying for their own, and their instructors, entry to the pool, and this money goes directly to KA Leisure.

“These facilities are publicly funded but they are denying the public a choice of what is best for their children.” “KA Leisure need to remove this ban, or provide one to one lessons with an instructor in the pool with the child.” A spokesperson for KA Leisure, who run all council owned pools, including Largs, said: “It has been brought to the company’s attention that a small number of individuals have been delivering private swimming lessons from within the swimming pools operated by KA Leisure. We can confirm that the individuals involved have not arranged to hire an area of a pool or received authorisation to deliver these lessons.

“In many cases there is an assumption from participants that the company is involved in the administration and delivery of these lessons as centre staff often field telephone calls regarding private swimming instruction delivered by individuals who are not employed by KA Leisure.

“Having considered common practice amongst other local authority operators in Scotland the Company has decided not to permit this activity within its swimming pools.

“KA Leisure operates its own ‘Learn to Swim‘ programme across all its swimming pools. Instructors employed by the company are covered by company insurance, have undergone suitable checks and meet company requirements regarding qualification levels.

“The company Learn to Swim programme will be extended in January 2015 making one to one lessons available to customers. To register interest individuals should contact 01294 317410 or visit www.kaleisure.com for further details.”