An Ilkley businessman has lodged an official complaint of sex discrimination against the town's swimming Pool.

Financial adviser Rod Fotherby says he has been forced to take the action after six years of complaining fruitlessly about the unfairness of a 'women only' lunchtime session.

The 53-year-old, who has an artificial leg, tries to swim at least three times a week during his noon to 1pm lunch hour, business demands permitting.

But for years now he has been unable to go on Fridays, except during the school holidays, because of the 'women only' lanes session.

He explained why he had now decided it was time for action. He said: "I've been going swimming regularly since I lost my leg and using Ilkley for the last six years. It is quite an adult-friendly pool but this women only class effectively means there are only four times a week when men can use it, while women can use it five days a week.

"I've mentioned it to the people at the pool and filled in several customer surveys saying I think this is wrong but they've just shrugged their shoulders and said 'that's how it is and it's the same across the district.'

"There is no equivalent men's session available and I thought that was strange in these days of equality, so I looked up the Equal Opportunities Act. Under its rules this seems a straightforward case of unlawful discrimination on the grounds of sex.

"It may seem like just a little thing but this does limit my choice and prevents me from getting access to a service I want, as these 'women only' sessions take place between noon and 1pm, and that's when I have to go up because of work.

"I have heard other male swimmers grumble about it but then not do anything and say it would be a waste of time. This is me trying to bring it all to a head."

Mr Fotherby, who lives in Steeton, posted his completed discrimination claim form to the district's Sport and Leisure chief on Monday.

A Bradford Council spokesman refused to respond to the specific points raised by Mr Fotherby or to say whether Ilkley Pool's 'women only' hour constituted a breach of the Sex Discrimination Act.

Instead, Head of Sport and Leisure for the district, Steve Warner, made this statement: "We provide special sessions in our pools in response to customer demand and as part of a balanced programme of activities, for example 'adult only', over-50s, and so on.

"We would, of course, consider any new suggestions from customers to improve our existing programmes."

However, Mr Fotherby says he will not be fobbed off and is willing to take his complaint 'all the way' if changes aren't made to remedy what he claims is a clear example of discrimination.

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