COUNCIL chiefs and members of a Selby swimming club have reached a compromise over a new swimming timetable for the town's Abbey Leisure Centre.

Members of Tiger Sharks had been concerned that a proposed increase in public access and swimming lessons would interfere with the Tiger Sharks' training sessions.

But after negotiations between the Tiger Sharks and Selby District Council Social Board last week, the Selby Swim Scheme's elite squad will now see an increase in their training times.

Martin Smith, vice-chairman of Tiger Sharks, said: "Both the club and the council have made compromises during negotiations in recent weeks.

The new timetable maintains the club's overall weekly training time at close to its current level, whilst enabling an increase in public opening time.

"We are pleased that the District Council recognises the value of the club to the young swimmers of Selby and the community as a whole."

The timetable changes are part of the Best Value Plan on Leisure Services, adopted by the council last year.

It is hoped the increase in public access will help reduce the Selby Swim Scheme's nine-month swimming lesson waiting list.

Updated: 12:17 Tuesday, July 29, 2003