Public access to Newent Leisure Centre will be restricted during school hours under new safeguarding measures.
From Monday, September 1, the venue will only be open to the public from 3.30pm to 9.30pm on weekdays.
The change, introduced to prioritise student safety, was announced by the Forest of Dean District Council, Newent Community School, and Freedom Leisure, who operate the centre.
Jackie Dale, cabinet member for thriving communities at Forest of Dean District Council, said: "The safety and wellbeing of children must always come first.
"This site presents a unique challenge, and addressing safeguarding concerns has been a shared priority for some time.
"While changes to access are now being implemented, our focus remains on supporting community use during evenings and weekends.
"Through our emerging Active Wellbeing Strategy, we’re committed to identifying opportunities for alternative activity provision in and around Newent, helping residents stay active and connected."
The restriction means the centre will no longer be available to the public between 8.30am and 3.30pm.
The decision follows long-standing safeguarding concerns and takes into account national advice including Martyn’s Law, which calls for stronger protection of public spaces.
Access to the leisure centre currently involves crossing the school campus, which officials say is no longer appropriate during the school day.
Weekend access will remain unchanged, and primary school swimming lessons will continue as usual.
A Gloucestershire connected membership will be offered, giving users access to other Freedom Leisure centres in Cinderford and Gloucester.
Rhys Philipps, principal of Newent Community School, said: "The safeguarding of our students is a responsibility we take extremely seriously.
"This change has been made with their safety and wellbeing as the guiding priority.
"We are proud to have worked closely with Forest of Dean District Council and Freedom Leisure in a genuinely collaborative spirit to find a solution that balances pupil safeguarding with continued community access."
Freedom Leisure has encouraged users to check the updated timetable on its website.
The organisation also thanked the public for their understanding and continued cooperation.
