A scheme which provided free swimming
sessions to Richmondshire’s over 60s has been axed.
The Government has called time on the
initiative which had seen thousands use the Richmond pool over the
last 15 months.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics,
Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt, announced last week that he was
withdrawing the grants given to local authorities to provide free
swimming to the over 60s and under 16s. The scheme ends
on July 31.
Richmondshire District Council – in
partnership with Richmondshire Leisure Trust which runs the
Richmond Pool on behalf of the council – only took up the over 60s
element of the grant.
“For the last 15 months the over 60s have had
the benefit of free swims as part of a national initiative to get
more people active,” said Councillor Jim Fryer, Spokesman for
Health.
“But from August 1 they will need to pay once
more - with the withdrawal of government funds the District Council
and Leisure Trust have no option but resume charging once
again".
And Manager of Richmondshire Leisure Trust,
Dave Pullinger, added: "During the last 15 months we have seen a
rise in the number of over 60s coming to swim – we hope they now
have the swimming bug and will continue to be regular visitors to
the pool.
“Swimming is a great all round exercise for
everyone but especially suited to older people.”
And he said that to help ease the change for
over 60 swimmers, the Leisure Trust is offering free eight month
membership to the centre along with reduced swimming prices and a
refreshments voucher.
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Last updated:
08 July 2010