Abingdon's reopened open-air swimming pool is in troubled water with complaints about dirty changing rooms, queues, refreshment shortages and breakdowns.

Swimmers also want the Abbey Meadow pool opened at lunchtimes.

The owners, the Vale of White Horse District Council, and pool operator Soll Leisure, said heavy demand in the recent hot weather had caused difficulties, but they have promised to solve the problems.

Pool user and former Save The Outdoor Pool member Paul Gustafson said: "I don't want to be negative about the pool. It's wonderful to have it open again.

"However, queues have been forming and a better system of entry should be examined.

"The pool is closed for an hour between 1.30pm and 2.30pm and that makes it difficult for people at work during their lunch breaks. The cafe ran short of lollies and milk and people have complained about the state of changing rooms.

"I'm also worried about the lack of promotion.

"We need signs in the town directing people to the pool, which isn't easy to find. The pool has to be marketed if it's to be in with a chance, or we could be facing another crisis."

The town's mayor, Peter Green, said: "The recent hot weather has placed an enormous demand on the pool and its new staff.

"Inevitably, there will be some early teething problems, but they're being addressed. I ask people to be patient.

"The town council is monitoring the position and we're working closely with both Soll and the Vale."

District council leisure facilities manager Chris Webb said the issues being raised were linked to the unpredictability of the weather and demand, which showed very severe peaks and troughs. These made planning of staffing, supplies and programming very difficult.

He added: "There have been times when people have had to queue to gain entry.

"However, there's a physical limitation on the number of people any pool can take, based on the square metreage of water and the number of lifeguards.

"There's flexibility within our contract to extend the opening hours, subject to resources being available to operate the pool safely and effectively."

Mr Webb said closing the pool at lunchtimes allowed staff to have a break, but also to clean the changing rooms.

"At peak times, these areas can become dirty, so it's important that staff have an opportunity to clean properly, without disruption to the customers. In conjunction with the Friends of the pool, we're working on promotions.

"Some interest from organisations wishing to hire the pool for parties has already been received and is being followed through."