Swimmers excited at attending Saturday's summer opening of Ashburton Swimming Pool were turned away because the water was too dirty.

And those who came the following day, hoping for better luck, were given the comprise of using just half the pool.

Many, like Judi Turner of Westabrook Avenue, were forced to travel down the A38 with their families to use the clean swimming pool in Buckfastleigh.

'I have been going there since I was five, and then with my own children, and I have never seen it in such a state,' said Mrs Turner.

'I knew the pool was going to open on May 23 and so did the local children – so why was our pool not ready for us? The changing rooms had also not been brushed.

'Teignbridge has had months to get it ready for Ashburton. The pool has been with us for years, we pay enough council tax, it was sheer mismanagement.'

Mrs Turner's family, along with other swimmers, were finally able to splash around in the whole pool on Monday, although there was the occasional sighting of soft drinks cans in the deep end.

'I would like an answer from whoever is in charge. Our children deserve to have the fun and memories of the swimming pool like I have had,' said Mrs Turner.

Teignbridge Council apologised for the inconvenience caused to their customers, citing health and safety issues for the opening day problems.

A spokesman said: 'Pool closure is always a last resort, however customer safety is a priority and the precautionary measure was taken following a harmless technical fault which resulted in cloudy water.

'Signage was immediately put up to apologise and to inform customers, and following a routine water-check, the pool was re-opened for business last Sunday.

We thank customers for their understanding and look forward to a busy, bumper season at all our visitor attractions.'

Clerk of Ashburton Town Council John Germon commented that the issue was nothing new.

'There always seems to be a problem every year at the swimming pool, although I've never heard of anything so ridiculous as people only being allowed to swim in half of the pool.'

He promised to bring up the issue with Teignbridge at the General Purposes Committee meeting on Wednesday.