A swimming session for women and children from ethnic minorities in Wolverhampton has sparked complaints from regular bath users who say it is encouraging segregation.

The weekly session, at the city’s Central Baths on Thursdays between 7pm and 8pm, has been introduced to encourage groups who would not normally get involved in swimming.

But it has come under fire as “political correctness gone beserk”, with council bosses today admitting a number of complaints had been received from members of the public.

Blinds costing around £1,000, funded by Kellogg’s Swim Active programme, have also been installed to improve privacy.

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A swimming session for women and children from ethnic minorities in Wolverhampton has sparked complaints from regular bath users who say it is encouraging segregation.

The weekly session, at the city’s Central Baths on Thursdays between 7pm and 8pm, has been introduced to encourage groups who would not normally get involved in swimming.

But it has come under fire as “political correctness gone beserk”, with council bosses today admitting a number of complaints had been received from members of the public.

Blinds costing around £1,000, funded by Kellogg’s Swim Active programme, have also been installed to improve privacy.The sessions replace a former aqua aerobics class. Council chiefs say they are aimed at Muslims, Sikhs and any other ethnic groups “with religious or cultural issues which would otherwise prevent them from taking part”.

Swimmer Leslie Waugh, from Walsall, said today: “It’s wrong. The council bangs on about integration but then does something like this. I can’t get my head round it.

“The women even have their own instructor and lifeguard brought in for the sessions and the regular workers have to leave.”

Another swimmer, who asked not to be named, arrived with her family one Thursday only to be turned away. “We can’t go when we want to on a Thursday, even if that’s the best time,” she said. “It’s political correctness gone beserk.”

City council spokesman Felicity Roberts said complaints had been received by reception staff at the baths.

She added: “It is one of the most ambitious schemes in the country and aims to tackle childhood obesity, engage the city’s ethnic minority communities and work with children who fear water.

“An initial trial of eight weeks is providing an opportunity for women and children from ethnic minorities, who may not otherwise participate for cultural and religious reasons. Sessions are attracting upwards of 40 women and children. It has been a real success and it is likely it will continue beyond the trial period.”

By Nick Pritchard