Parents have hit out at the 'absolutely ridiculous' queuing system at Hinksey Pool as children were only allowed 15 minutes in the pool every hour.

The city council-owned outdoor pool has been extremely popular in recent weeks as the heatwave brought families out in their droves.

But some complained that a queuing system at Hinksey Outdoor Pool had left children waiting in line for hours only to be asked to leave the pool after 15 minutes.

Rachel White, whose friend experienced the pool at its busiest over the weekend, said: "So overcrowded that you get 15 mins in pool followed by 45mins out - so everyone gets a turn, absolutely disgraceful. 

Commenting on the Friends of Hinksey Park Facebook page, she said: "If they can't be accommodated they shouldn't be allowed in."

A band system was also adopted due to the high number of visitors - with youngsters given a colour and having to wait until the colour was called out to be allowed in the pool, operated by Fusion Lifestyle.

Another frustrated user, Gemma Leanne, said: "This stupid band system they have as well is so annoying how can you explain to your child 'oh by the way it’s the blue’s turn and you have to wait 30 minutes for your go?'"

"It’s absolutely ridiculous - in this heat how do you expect any child to wait in the queue for hours." 

But Oxford resident, Alice Styles, commented that it was a recurring problem.

She said: "This is nothing new, it always happens in busy times. 

"My family came from Gloucester last year and paid £36 to get in to the pool area and got very little time in the water. 

"It's all so badly run."

City councillor for the area, Marie Tidball, said it was 'very disappointing' and said she would be writing to council officers over the issue.

Oxford City Council and Fusion Lifestyle have both been approached for comment.