LEISURE chiefs have come under fire for charging an Inverclyde charity champion to host a fundraiser.

Former school teacher Louise Newman has raised almost £30,000 for good causes since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2011 and holds an annual fun swim event at Gourock Outdoor Pool free of charge.

She was stunned when Inverclyde Leisure, which operates the Albert Road facility, quoted her £150 for just two hours' use on Sunday for a fundraiser in aid of a friend battling kidney failure.

For the last seven years, the ex-Greenock Academy and Clydeview teacher - who is also a pool customer - has been allowed to host charity events at the 108-year-old pool for free.

IL chiefs say that is no longer affordable and say they need money to cover overheads, mainly staffing costs.

But the demand has provoked a public outcry.

Louise told the Tele: "I'm shocked I'm being charged £150 for the event.

"In hindsight, it's maybe my fault for taking it for granted that I would get it for nothing.

"But from zero to £150 is a big jump.

"It's a bit of a shock to the system."

Louise, who lives in Gourock, started fundraising for MS Society Scotland to support others affected by the complex neurological condition after she was forced to retire following her own diagnosis.

Of the almost £30k she has raised to date, £12,000 was from her popular fun swim.

The event on Sunday, which Louise has vowed will go ahead despite the controversial charge, is being organised to help her friend Stevie Bloom, who has set up his own renal charity after suffering kidney failure and undergoing a transplant.

Louise says she's had several kind offers from businesses and individuals to cover the cost but insists the principle has upset her.

Officials from IL, which is a registered charity, say they are willing to work with Louise to find a solution and praised her for her charity work.

The leisure trust is under financial pressure following a £102,000 cut to its Inverclyde Council grant, which has resulted in price rises and an end to free swimming for over-60s.

An IL spokesman said: "The enquiry for booking the charity event for Sunday May 27 at Gourock Outdoor Pool was only made official to us on Monday May 21.

"To date, there has still been no marketing or promotional materials displayed to promote this event.

"The price is an out-of-hours hire cost quoted to individuals or groups looking for exclusive use of Gourock Outdoor Swimming Pool.

"Louise was offered to hold the event during our core operating hours at no cost, however, this was declined as she wanted exclusive use of the pool.

"Exclusive use requires staff to work over and above their contracted hours, which incurs additional costs to Inverclyde Leisure.

"Unfortunately, groups wishing to hire any of Inverclyde Leisure's facilities will incur a hire charge.

"Inverclyde Leisure recognise the fantastic fundraising achievements by Louise over the years and are willing to discuss this matter further as the offer of a free hire during our core operating hours is still an option for us."