Bill Rammell has condemned the decision by staff at Harlow swimming pool, which was not approved by councillors, to ban three quarter length swimming shorts as “ridiculous” and “over the top”. 

He made clear his views when he learned that several young boys had been banned from swimming in the pool for wearing the long leg swimming trunks on safety grounds. Harlow Council, when first asked for comment, explained that the swimwear was designed for strong swimmers and that the shorts constituted a safety problem because they might cause drag in the pool. As a result the shorts were banned and it was decided that a dress code would be introduced.

Bill Rammell this morning called on the Council to review the decision and he has now received confirmation that they have done so. As a result the Council has decided that the three quarter length shorts can be worn but notices will be put up at the pool warning swimmers of the dangers of drag associated with this form of swim wear. 

Speaking after hearing of the Council’s U-Turn, Bill Rammell said, “I made clear to the Council that I thought it was a ridiculous decision and that they should review it immediately. Clearly an officer at the pool got it badly wrong and it has spiralled out of control. It’s health and safety gone mad. There are some real and important health and safety issues at a swimming pool but wearing shorts isn’t one of them.”

“I’m pleased that the Council have now reviewed the position. I still think the notices around the pool warning about the shorts are unnecessary but at least the boys using the pool will be able to keep wearing them if they and their parents want them to do so.”