Pool gets top marks for custmer care

      Hythe Pool has become one of only 80 places in the UK to achieve a new national customer service award.

The Customer Service Excellence standard is awarded by the government and prompted a letter of congratulation from the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

The Shepway Council-owned pool is managed by a team from Medway Council. Paul Boyd, of Medway Council was delighted with the achievement and admitted checking that the Prime Minister's letter was not a "wind up."

"The assessor really liked the facility. He went through our customer service system and processes and also spoke to customers and staff at the pool."

The award replaces the Charter Mark accreditation and demands an 80 per cent pass mark instead of 70 per cent. There are only 10 places with the award in London and the South East.

Cllr Pam Carr, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: "High standards of customer service are very important to Shepway Council. I am proud of our staff at the pool and delighted that our care and commitment to our pool customers have been recognised."