PENSIONERS and youngsters have been hit in the pocket by bosses at a city swimming pool, who have increased prices by up to 50 per cent.

Until this week, the cost of a concessionary swim at Sansome Walk Swimming Pool was automatically £1.20 for all children, students and pensioners. This has now been scrapped.

The new rate will still be £1.20 for people on a low income, such as those claiming JobSeeker's Allowance. If not, the cost is £1.80 if the swimmer has bought a £5 annual advantage card, and without the card it is £2.40 - the same as a non-concessionary swim.

For youngsters whose parents are on a low income the charge remains £1.20. With an advantage card it is £1.80, but without it, the price rockets to £2.40.

"One source at the swimming pool has told me attendance has already dropped," said pensioner John Pedley, who swims three times a week.

"I noticed the price increases because I swim at the Sansome Walk pool, but now I will go to Pershore where it is cheaper and the facilities are better.

"The price of an adult swim has not increased at all, but pensioners and children use the pool the most and they are being targeted. This is an appalling increase."

The price rise caught Mr Pedley unaware as he said there were no warning notices at the pool.

"Usually I take only the exact money with me. I didn't yesterday, so luckily I was able to get in," said the 68-year-old.

"They do offer one back-handed concession in that if you buy an annual pass the tickets are £1.80 per swim, but that is still a 50 per cent increase.

Regular swimmer Angela Lawton, of Albany Terrace, Worcester, said she was not forewarned of the price hike.

"They could have at least put up a notice," she said. "I certainly will not be able to go swimming as often as I did and they may well have lost a customer."

Nigel Mansfield, sport and recreation manager at Worcester City Council, said the overhaul was in line with the Audit Commission guidelines.

"Some people in higher education and over 60 are not on low incomes, but if you are, then you will get a reduction to £1.20. If not, then you still get 25 per cent off."

Leisure Connection, which is responsible for the running of the pool, was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.