The swimming pool at Friary Grange Leisure Centre

Talented athletes in Lichfield will get more of a chance to make a splash after the time they can train in the pool was extended.

The swimming pool at Friary Grange Leisure Centre
The swimming pool at Friary Grange Leisure Centre

Lichfield Swimming Club is working with Friary Grange Leisure Centre to run a trial which will see the 25m facility shared between the public and athletes for some sessions.

Demand on the pool is high, with schools, clubs and learn to swim classes on offer.

Members of Lichfield Swimming Club
Members of Lichfield Swimming Club

Rachel Bentley from Lichfield Swimming Club said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Friary Grange Leisure Centre to extend the training sessions we can offer our members.

“We hope the trial is successful and are looking forward to sharing the pool with local swimmers.”

The trial will run from May 3 until the end of July, and will affect the public swimming sessions that take place on a Wednesday.

From 6.45am to 8am, the club will have two of the six available lanes, while they will have three lanes from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

Councillor Andy Smith, Cabinet member for leisure and parks, said: “We’re really committed to furthering the opportunities of competitive athletes and understand Lichfield Swimming Club’s desire to have more time in the pool to work with their members.

“This is why we’re trialling pool sharing, and hope that our swimmers who come to the public swims on a Wednesday will be inspired by the club members to stretch themselves and possibly consider competitive swimming for themselves.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.