Older swimmers must play the waiting game

Rochdale’s pensioners will have to wait a while longer before they find out if they can take the plunge for free around the Council’s swimming pools.

The government has pledged financial support so councils around the country can provide free swimming for the over 60s.

While many authorities around the country have already gone ahead with the scheme, Rochdale Council has delayed their decision for another month.

The issue was brought up at an informal cabinet meeting last week, but a decision from the Council is not expected until some time in November.

Rochdale’s leisure trust, Link4Life, has already advised the Liberal Democrat cabinet to apply for funding to deliver the Free Swimming Programme.

As part of their recommendations Link4Life warn that: “Non participation in the Programme would undoubtedly be damaging to the reputation of the Council, place residents at a disadvantage to those in neighbouring districts and miss out on an opportunity to contribute to reductions in health inequalities in the Borough.”

Labour Parliamentary candidate Simon Danczuk is also pressing the Council to take up the scheme. He said: “We’ve just seen the closure of Motorcise in Rochdale, which specialises in offering exercise for pensioners, so I don’t want to see this opportunity go begging."

"I understand the Council has also been advised to apply for a capital reward grant to make adaptations and improve access to Wardle High School swimming pool and Castleton swimming pool. I very much hope they follow this advice as this is a great opportunity for residents in Rochdale to benefit from a Government policy that provides free exercise opportunities in a supportive and fun environment.”

Government minister Andy Burnham announced the scheme in September and it is part of government plans to have two million more people taking part in some form of physical exercise by 2012.

Mr Burnham said: "Swimming is a great form of exercise, not only is it a great cardio workout, it is great for pensioners as there is little stress placed upon joints."