TENDRING Council has announced a u-turn on its decision to scrap free swimming lessons after a public backlash.

The council offers One cards, which give holders access to services at council-run leisure facilities for a monthly fee.

Free swimming lessons were once included, but were recently axed because not enough people used them and they were not cost effective.

But disgruntled card holders complained, with some even cancelling their cards due to the move.

Now the council has reinstated the free swimming lessons for card holders.

Council leader Mick Page said: “We value our customers’ and always have their needs at heart. We do whatever we can to meet their requests wherever possible.

“Despite the business case, in this particular instance we took into account the fact the change was not popular with a significant number of people and I personally asked the officers to look at it again."

Swimmers said the cost of paying for swimming lessons on top of their card costs would be too much and criticised the council for its original decision.

But they are now celebrating following the u-turn.