The Health and Safety Executive last month updated its advice to owners and users of sunbeds and suggested under-18s be banned from using them.

The HSE's guidelines included warnings that exposure to ultraviolet radiation from tanning equipment 'is potentially harmful' and could cause skin cancer.

Cllr Ellwood, also a district councillor, said the sunbeds at Freedom Leisure should be removed in the face of the 'clear medical evidence'.

In a letter to Wealden District Council, he said, "When Wealden ran the leisure facilities, all sunbeds were removed on medical advice which was endorsed unanimously by the council.

"It is noted that Freedom Leisure, which took over these facilities, have now installed sunbeds, putting those that use them in extreme danger of contracting skin cancer.

"Does the council agree with Freedom Leisure installing sunbeds and putting the health of the people of Wealden and surrounding areas at risk?

"Does the council still agree with medical advice that sunbeds can cause skin cancer and what pressure is being brought to bear on Freedom Leisure to remove them?"

In response, Wealden District Council said the future of the sunbeds rested with Freedom Leisure.

Peter Griggs, the council's head of public health and community development, said, "The partnership agreement which the council has with Freedom Leisure, which is a non-profit making trust, does not allow the council to require that the tanning equipment is removed.

"However, the recent HSE guidance on the use of tanning equipment will be included on the agenda of the next partnership meeting, when the future use of tanning equipment and the controls over its use will be discussed.

"The HSE's advice is that the use of ultraviolet tanning equipment may expose staff and customers to ultraviolet radiation at levels which can cause injuries and ill health.

"There are particular concerns about use by higher risk groups including those under 18.

"As with exposure to natural sunlight, too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation from tanning equipment can damage your skin and sometimes your general health.

"In order to minimise these risks it is essential that adequate and rigorous controls are in place and customers are provided with appropriate advice.

"There is no legislation which bans the use of such equipment but health and safety laws require that proper controls are put in place and operators assess the risks to employees and customers, taking reasonable measures to control these risks as far as is reasonably practicable."

Freedom Leisure told the Gazette it would not comment further and said it was happy with Wealden District Council's response.