Dozens of angry old folk launched a petition at the Aketon Road pool on Monday to fight Wakefield Council’s new fee – which has increased the price of a swim for over 50s with discount cards from £1.60 to £2.40.

Protest leader Don Knight, 71, said: “We want to know how the council can justify increasing, by almost half, the price of swimming for the poorer end of society.

“Most people who buy the discount card are pensioners with little money and they shouldn’t be penalised for keeping healthy. Everyone is angry as it’s disgusting.”

Protestors have sent complaint letters to the council and say the rise will force many to give up swimming.

Mr Knight added: “My doctor recommended I swim to help my weak knee but now I will have to turn elsewhere.

“A lot of people swim for medical reasons and older people should have free leisure access.”

Lisa Dodd, the council’s service director for sport and active lifestyles, said over 50s with concessionary cards received a double discount.

She added: “We are committed to helping people maintain healthy lifestyles and spoke to customers at Castleford about the reasons for new prices.

“We need to achieve more than two per cent growth in income to maintain the pool, safeguard againsts cuts in service and keep up with inflation each year.

“Adults swimming two times or more a week can use our regular user scheme, which equates to £5.77 a week, or less than £1.95 a session if they swim three times a week.

“I hope people will continue to enjoy our sport and leisure facilities and wish them success with their health and fitness.”