Swimmers have criticised council officials after they decided not to open a popular outdoor pool - because the temperature is one degree too low.

Families slammed Medway Council for keeping the Strand pool closed today as temperatures continue to soar.

The outdoor pool, which is only open at weekends until Monday, July 23, is sometimes open during the week at this time of the year if temperatures reach 24⁰C.

However, council bosses say today temperatures are only set to reach 23⁰C, so the pool will not be opened.

Bob Dimond, the council's head of sport leisure, tourism and heritage, said it was decided to keep the pool closed today for routine cleaning as it had been very busy at the site on Saturday and Sunday.

The move has angered members of the pool's friends group, FOSP (Friends of Strand Pool), which is made up of swimmers who are passionate about the lido.

This morning the group tweeted: "Sorry folks. @MedwaySport aren’t opening the pool today despite the weather and the agreement when it’s over 24⁰C that they would.

"We are disappointed. Please message the council with your comments. FOSP are trying to find out more info as to why."

However, Mr Dimond says the decision has been made because temperatures will not rise over 23⁰C, but if it gets hotter later in the week, the council will look to open the pool.

Mr Dimond said: “According to weather forecasts temperatures are expected to reach 23⁰C today.

"We only open the Strand pool outside of its normal opening hours if temperatures are predicted to reach 24⁰C or above.

“Following a very busy weekend we will be carrying out routine cleaning of the pool and facilities today in anticipation of opening later in the week, when temperatures are expected to rise above 24⁰C.”

The lido will be open daily from 11am to 5pm from Monday, July 23 to Sunday, September 2.