Frome is a town I admire for its heart and soul, and support for the arts surely second to none in the UK.

Given this admirable free spirit, what a shame that Avalon Leisure UK Ltd has imposed heavy lane discipline on the early morning swimming sessions at Frome Pool.

There is a double-spaced lane for less confident swimmers who may swim more slowly than others. Two further lanes are for medium swimmers and two for fast swimmers. No tests yet for swimmers to be categorised!

Many people complain about the restriction of these lanes; we feel like battery hens. Many have complained in writing but replies, if forthcoming, are often unhelpful.

Could Avalon Leisure please explain the thinking behind these changes; is it financial, perhaps involving one less lifeguard, or is it all about health and safety?

If the latter, surely the less-confident swimmers should have more lane ropes to grab hold of rather than less. Early morning lane rage is rife at Frome Pool.

Apologies for mentioning "democracy" but how about a vote on the new lane system for regular pool users?

BOB LEE

Petticoat Lane, Dilton Marsh