LYDNEY parathlete Andy Lewis is calling on his local leisure centre to accommodate his training regime when he returns from the Rio Paralympics next month.

Andy says for the last 18 months he has had no choice but to travel a 90-minute roundtrip to Bradley Stoke in Bristol to swim because Lydney Freedom Leisure Centre has failed to meet agreed arrangements.

Freedom Leisure Centre says they have tried to support him as much as they possibly can.

Andy said: “For the first year I trained at Lydney but as I became faster the quality of swim was getting worse so I relocated to Bristol. I don’t want an exclusive lane just a better managed pool. For example, if it’s a fast lane then it’s for fast swimmers and not those who saunter.

“It was agreed between myself and two senior members of staff at Freedom Leisure last year they would add an extra lane and display pool etiquette boards. Neither of which have happened.

“I would love nothing more than to train in my local leisure centre’s swimming pool but they haven’t supported me. I’ve even asked if I can book a private lane.

“I find it very difficult to find decent facilities in the Forest as an elite athlete, and when I approached Chepstow about my request for a lane they never responded.

“At Bristol they put a lane in for me to train for an hour or at least are more approachable about my training. Now only 40 days away from Rio there isn’t any point in Freedom making adjustments, however when I return I will be looking to use its pool. I hope that things can change after Rio so I can help others.”

A spokesperson for Freedom Leisure said: “We are extremely sorry and disappointed to hear Mr Lewis is unhappy with circumstances at his local swimming pool, as we, along with representatives from the District Council, met with him last year to ensure we were able to support him as much as we possibly could.

“As a result of the meeting we initiated a new swim lane policy on which Mr Lewis consulted, and we have displayed lane etiquette boards. However, as the pool is a very popular public facility, we were unable to designate a lane specifically for him.

“At the time we also tried to arrange opening of the pool solely for use by Mr Lewis, but the available days unfortunately did not marry up with his training schedule.

“We wish Mr Lewis the best of luck at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and on his return wish for him to swim at Lydney, or any Freedom Leisure Centres, so he can train closer to his home and visit with his family too.”