A SWIMMING club claims that new rules imposed by leisure centre bosses could ruin hundreds of children's hopes of competing in the sport.

Last month, national sports and leisure firm Leisure Connection took over the management of Peterlee Leisure Centre from Easington District Council.

The company, which also runs Seaham Leisure Centre, operates its own Amateur Swimming Association accredited swimming club, SwimSchool.

Since 1975, Peterlee Amateur Swimming Club, based at the leisure centre, has offered coaching for competitive swimmers, as well as classes for younger children.

It generates thousands of pounds in revenue for the centre, and has a membership of 200.

Over the years, several of its members have gone on to compete in national events, including butterfly gold medallist Richard Savage.

Now the club claims it could be forced out of business under restrictions being imposed by Leisure Connection.

Secretary Joanne Errington said: "Myself and the club chairman met Leisure Connection last Friday and they said we could not continue with the small pool lessons because they did not want anyone else offering them.

"They are the bread and butter of the club, and the feeder for the swimming classes. They also gave us some suggested new times.

"We are in Peterlee but we also cover the surrounding villages, and some of the children would not get home until 9.45pm.

"This will put an end to competitive swimming in the whole of Easington district."

From September 1, Leisure Connection proposes moving the club's 5.30pm to 7.30pm classes to 7pm to 9pm on two week nights, and cutting pool time from eight to six hours.

Ms Errington said: "Our top swimmers train for about 11 hours a week and Leisure Connection is not offering anything for competitive swimmers.

"Easington District Council always had swimming lessons and we worked together for the children of the area.

"Leisure Connection said they would work with us but we feel a bit betrayed."

A spokeswoman for Leisure Connection said: "I can understand that the club feels pushed out, but nothing has been set. We want to work very much in partnership with the swimming club - we do not want to come in and take over."