Free swimming to end

Free swimming to end

Rochdale Borough Council and their partner Link4Life have launched a bid to ensure swimmers continue saving money by signing up for their ‘Passport to Leisure’.

Free swimming in the boroughs pools will finish on 1 August following a government announcement that free swimming for over 60s and under 17s is to end.

Despite the number of 5-15 year olds going swimming increasing by 60.6% and the number of people aged 60 and above increasing by 78.9% in the first year cutting the scheme early is said to save £40 million.

Everyone over 60 who lives in the borough is eligible for a ‘Passport to Leisure’, as are children under 16 whose families are receiving a benefit such as Income Support.

Link4Life Managing Director, Craig McAteer, said: “They will be offered free registration for the scheme in August and this will give 12 months swimming for approximately half price at Link4Life pools plus a range of other benefits.”

The cheaper fares are available Monday - Friday from 9am-5pm and any time at weekends.

Like many councils in England, Rochdale introduced free swimming in April 2009 with the intention to get people active and to ensure a lasting legacy for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Councillor David Clayton, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure confirmed that a charge would be reintroduced for swimming for the over 60s and under 17s from 1 August 2010 in council pools. He said: “We must do all we can to maintain the health benefits that regular swimming brings for children and older people, and continue to focus services on those most vulnerable.

“The decision to stop the project early is disappointing but perhaps unsurprising given the seriousness of the overall picture that is emerging.”