A CONTROVERSIAL queuing system at Hinksey Pool will continue to be enforced on busy days for the rest of the summer.

Oxford City Council has defended a banding system, which has at times seen children allowed to swim for just 15 minutes every hour, and praised operators Fusion Lifestyle.

It comes after parents and children slammed the rota system which sees swimmers put into different coloured bands and only allowed in the pool when their colour was called.

The council’s board member for leisure Linda Smith explained that the 45-minute waiting system had only been used at the busiest times.

The rest of the day, she said, visitors have been given 30 minutes’ swim time followed by 30 minutes poolside, or were able to swim without any restrictions.

She said: “Fusion have been working hard to limit wait times and ensure that everyone will get to enjoy our fantastic pool, whilst keeping all visitors safe.

“Visitors are always informed of the banding system before payment, and the 15 minute swim sessions are only implemented during the very busiest periods of the day.

“This system is adaptable to the changing visitor numbers throughout the day, it avoids people being disappointed by being turned away from the facility, and avoids long queues building up at the gates, therefore it will continue to be used on the most busy days during the summer.”