I RECENTLY went swimming at Waves in Blackburn in a swimsuit that not only had I had for a year but had worn to many swimming pools without a problem. However, when I returned from Waves, I discovered that my once-blue swimsuit was now dotted with pink.

Upon complaining to the management, I found that they were well aware of the problem and had erected a sign to warn bathers that colour changes may appear in swimwear that had not been approved.

Unfortunately, I had not seen this sign, which was situated in a place unlikely to attract my attention. The sign only came into view after I had already paid, so had I seen it, there was little I could have done anyway. Another thing brought to my attention was, how was I to know if my swimsuit was 'approved?' I bought my swimsuit with the knowledge that it was swimwear as this is what it was advertised as.

I therefore expected it to be chlorine-proof, since this was the environment it was designed for.

Unlike me, the staff at Waves were well away of what was and what wasn't 'approved' swimwear, but made no effort to warn me of what may have and has occurred.

I am both angry and disappointed that this should have happened at a pool I usually find excellent. I also feel that other members of the public should be warned of this so that future incidents may be avoided.

CARRIE JOHNSON (aged 14), Willow Trees Drive, Lammack, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.