IT has been running for 25 years and has taught 7,000 local children to swim - but the plug could be pulled on the popular Hedge End Learn To Swim Club.

A multi-million-pound redevelopment scheme at Wildern School's community sports and leisure centre - due to open on April 2 - has sparked a review of facilities offered to users.

Learn To Swim Club head coach and founder Jean Rumbold says her regular Saturday morning and Wednesday evening sessions are being scrapped and the club has only been offered a Saturday afternoon slot which is totally unsatisfactory.

Now she is warning that unless the centre's management committee changes its mind, the club will fold.

She said: "We were left reeling when we were told about the situation. I am absolutely devastated, it has been my life for the last 25 years."

Jean, who was a leading figure in Hedge End's campaign in the 1970s to raise cash to build a community pool at Wildern School, added: "Villagers put in blood, sweat and tears to build this pool in the first place."

The club started in 1979 when the pool opened. It focuses on learning to swim for fun rather than have a competitive element and is run by volunteers. It has also helped handicapped and disadvantaged children.

Jean said: "They are proposing to double our hire charges and have offered us a 4pm to 6pm session on Saturdays. But at that time it would be difficult to attract teachers or children."

The club is inviting members of the committee to a meeting on April 4 to discuss a plan of action. In the meantime, it is asking supporters to write to Hampshire County Council leader Ken Thornber.

A statement from the Wildern Community Management Committee said there had been a review of the existing community use prior to the opening of the facilities and launch of a new programme. This had been done "to maximise opportunities for development and to achieve the best balance of use for the benefit of the whole community."

As part of the process, there had been discussions with the Hedge End Learn To Swim Club about their continuing use of the pool and representatives had been invited to address a meeting of the management committee on March 1.

The statement added: "The committee recognised the long service given by those associated with the club and has offered continued use of the pool on Saturday afternoons, subject to the club's acceptance of certain quality standards such as minimum staff qualifications.

"The centre is waiting to hear the club's response and hopes that the long association can continue.

"The new leisure centre will maintain and extend opportunities for all ages within the community to learn to swim and to use these wonderful new facilities."