PARENTS of young swimmers in Knutsford have started a petition against a decision they believe has left the town’s swimming club with an uncertain future.

In February, Vikings were told they would no longer be allowed to offer a programme that develops children’s skills in the water.

Instead Everybody Sport and Recreation, which manages the pool at Knutsford Leisure Centre on behalf of Cheshire East Council, have proposed their own staff will run all Learn to Swim schemes there.

More than 200 people have signed the petition since it was started.

“The mums and dads decided off their own back to do it,” said Richard Baldry, Vikings’ chairman.

Everybody Sport said in a letter that they need to make more money to ‘ensure survival’, and requested clubs like Vikings stop signing up newcomers to their own classes straightaway.

In return the club, as part of a new arrangement that ring-fences time in the water for their swimmers, will pay less to hire the pool.

They must decide their next move in the coming days.

Baldry said: “We’ve met Everybody Sport and Recreation twice in the past few weeks, and it’s clear there will be no movement from their side.”

If Vikings refuse to sign a revised agreement, then they will have to pay more – an extra £10 an hour per lane during off-peak periods – to use the pool for training.

“Session times are important,” added Baldry.

“Without a compromise, then again the viability of the club is in severe doubt.”