NEW restrictions will apply when Ilkley swimming pool opens up at the weekend after closing for repairs for ten days.

Council workers are hoping that a leaking pipe at the pool will have been repaired in time for opening on Saturday, March 1.

When the pool does open, new regulations will apply to children using the pool in line with recommendations issued by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management.

The changes, which apply to all pools in the district, will mean:

l Children under the age of eight years will not be able to use the pool unless accompanied in the water at all times by a responsible person aged 16 years or over.

l Children aged four to seven years must be accompanied by a responsible person. No more than two children to each adult.

l One responsible person over the age of 16 must accompany each child under the age of four.

The new safety standards apply to all general/public swimming sessions in all council pools. Structured activities such as swimming lessons are not affected by the new ruling but customers should contact Ilkley pool if they need any further guidance.

Previously, the national guidelines recommended that children under five using pools should ideally be accompanied on a one to one basis by a responsible person of 16 years of age or over.

Ilkley District Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for the environment, said: "The safety of young children and that of all swimming pool users is paramount.

"These amendments to the council's policy will make our pools even safer.Notices will go up at all pools in the district to remind people of these important changes. Staff have also been briefed on the new policy."

A spokesman for Bradford Council confirmed this week that the work on the leaking pipe was progressing and the pool should be open as planned.