Splashing news over free swim sessions

Adam Hewitt • Published 20 Nov 2009 11:00 0 Comments

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Swimming pool closures

YOUNGSTERS and the elderly will be able to swim for free after a council u-turn.

Under-16s and over-60s will be able to take a free dip at Loddon Valley and Bulmershe leisure centres in Earley and Woodley.

Wokingham Borough Council earlier this year rejected Government funding for the scheme because it said the money on offer would not meet the costs, a move criticised by opposition Lib Dems and Reading East Labour hopeful, Anneliese Dodds.

At the time the council said it was not willing to have council tax payers fork out, but after negotiations it announced this week that free swimming will now be offered from January next year until March 2011, without harming council finances.

The public pools, plus Carnival Pool in Wokingham, will also be entitled to funding from the Amateur Swimming Association for free swimming lessons. Council leader David Lee said: "We have said many times that we would love to offer free swimming, but only if the financial package on offer meant no extra burden for local taxpayers. The deal we have reached meets that criterion and we look forward to welcoming new swimmers." Lead member for sport and leisure, Cllr Liz Siggery, said: "Swimming is the most popular sporting activity in the country and this scheme will allow up to a quarter of the borough's residents to take part in a fun, healthy activity at no cost.

"The scheme is time limited but the council will lobby the Government to extend it after March 2011 as part of the development of a long-term legacy relating to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Anyone eligible will need to prove their age, but will then get a membership card. Registration starts next month. Free swimming for the under-16s and over-60s is already available at Reading borough pools.

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