CHILDREN attending Yarm, Ingleby Barwick and Egglecliffe schools are missing out on swimming lessons because it takes too long to travel to the new baths at Stockton.

Ironically, Stockton Council's case for a new pool was strengthened because its submissions included population statistics from these areas .

These were the claims made by Yarm Town Council at its latest meeting. Councillors called for a swimming pool and better recreational facilities in Yarm. They also hoped to work more closely with residents and Stockton Council to enhance recreational provision.

Coun Eric Turton has responsibility for such matters at Yarm Town Council and he said: "I think we can only have change if we establish a good working relationship with Stockton Council. We have got to use its experts for various tasks, such as fundraising and grant applications. We should also work with schools.

"I think we should hammer out a long-term plan and look at funding. Grants are available from various bodies but we need to have something to show.

"Residents always talk about the need for a swimming pool, but it's difficult to get them to think about other things," he added.

Chairman Coun Liz Marsden and Coun Philip Addison both agreed on the importance of building closer connections to Stockton Council and Yarm residents.

Coun Marjorie Simpson joked: "I was told we'd get a swimming baths by the time I was on crutches. Well, that was years ago. I'm now approaching that time and I'm still wondering when we'll get a pool."

But she added: "Children in the borough do not have swimming on the curriculum because it takes too long to get to the baths."

Coun Simpson said proposed locations for sport or recreation facilities were always controversial with home owners.

"We would need to consult the residents affected. They might explode. I remember suggesting seats for different parts of Yarm, but people complained this would create problems."