Ilford North MP Lee Scott has said he will lobby Redbridge Council over controversial plans to take over a school swimming pool.

Last week swimming clubs told the Recorder the council’s new deal to use Ilford County High School’s pool to provide public lessons would force them out of business unless they find a new home.

Now Mr Scott has said he will write to council leader Cllr Jas Athwal to look at the provision for the swim schools being displaced.

He said: “It simply isn’t right.

“I’m writing to the council leader asking what provision is going to be given to these clubs that are being displaced.”

The Conservative MP said he would be meeting with the owners of the swimming groups in the next few weeks.

And he said colleague Eleanor Laing, MP for Loughton, would also be writing to the council over the issue.

A petition launched by Aqua Kidz, one of the clubs affected, has already gained more than 100 signatures calling for it to be reinstated.

Parent Nimmy Nayar wrote: “My son became confident within a few weeks’ class and I can’t imagine going to another pool, leaving such wonderful swimming instructors. They are the best.”

And Raj Patel commented: “I’m signing this petition because I don’t believe in someone’s business closing down. My kids, nieces and nephews attend this private swimming school.”

A Redbridge Council spokeswoman said: “We know this news is disappointing to groups already using the pool, but we couldn’t miss this opportunity to significantly expand access to swimming lessons for lots of residents and children in particular across the borough who may not have the same access to private clubs.

“We’ll also work hard to make sure that anyone receiving swimmingly lessons privately can continue lessons with Vision.”