LAST week the Lancashire Evening Telegraph revealed how a backstroke ban had been slapped on swimmers at a council-run pool at busy times - because it was too dangerous.

The news has created a real splash among the swimming world nationwide.

ANDREW TAYLOR went along to Daisyfield Pool in Blackburn to discover whether the new rule really is a wet blanket for swimmers.

IT'S been a while since I last went swimming and I thought I may have forgotten how to.

So it was with a little nervousness that I went along to Daisyfield Pool during one of their busy sessions, to see what the region's serious swimmers thought of the backstroke ban.

I entered the pool cautiously, like a stranger intruding into somebody's local pub, and decided breaststroke was best. I lightly pushed off, half expecting to sink like a stone. But what do you know? Those old reflexes from the days when I got my Puffin pool badge were still there.

The pool was quite busy and I had to manoeuvre out of the way of one or two other swimmers who were obviously there for a good workout, occasionally getting a face full of water for my trouble.

Breaststroke and the occasional front crawl were noticeably the only styles being used in the pool. I toyed with the idea of sneaking in a few quick backstrokes, but I half expected to hear a siren go off, followed by several lifeguards with a huge net to snare me, so I thought better of it.

Talk of the ban was obviously on many people's lips and I spotted some swimmers talking about it during a break in their exhausting exercise routine.

One, obviously amused by news of the ban, stood in the shallow end jokingly mimicking the backstroke while pretending to collide with a pal.

However, some seemed to approve of the ban saying that the few swimmers who did use backstroke were making everyone else move out of their way.

Another swimmer I spoke to between lengths said he "didn't know what all the fuss was about", adding that the ban was sensible and was not an example of the so-called "nanny state".

Despite the fuss, Blackburn with Darwen's council say they stand by their backstroke 'ban' - saying it is necessary during peak times for the wellbeing of swimmers in a busy pool.

Steve Rigby, director of culture, leisure and sport, said: "The so-called ban refers to guidance at Daisyfield's large swimming pool only and was introduced following requests from pool users. It is in force between noon and 1.15pm on weekdays, 9am and 10am on Saturdays and for a number of evening sessions throughout the week to prevent inexperienced swimmers being injured. For the remaining time people wishing to swim backstroke may do so unrestricted. Waves, Darwen, Shadsworth and Bank Hey pools do not have any restrictions in place."

The pool was not overcrowded but to have someone doing the backstroke in the middle of the pool, arms flailing, could have caused someone a bump on the head or knock to the eye. But having swam for about half an hour I came to the conclusion that if someone really wanted to do backstroke they could have done it out of people's way.

Perhaps the most sensible option would be to have two lanes cordoned off for people who want to try backstroke. This would suit everyone and swimmers would still be able to enjoy their favoured style. As a swimmer, and after speaking to several regulars, I got the impression there is no need for an outright ban.