Swimmer - Photo by Brit

Tamworth Borough Council have announced that swimming will remain free of charge to people aged under 16 and over 60 across the towns swimming pools, despite national government cuts to the Free Swimming Programme.

With cuts being made across the country by the new government, Tamworth Borough Council wanted to find alternative ways of funding the scheme, with members of the council meeting at last week’s Cabinet meeting, where members asked for other funding options to be looked into.

The scheme which was introduced by the government in 2008, was aimed at getting the country fit and deal with obesity throughout the UK.  Provision was made for young and old alike to take advantage at the council run pools in Belgrave and Wilnecote.  At the time, the council received £20,000 to support the scheme.

Last month’s national budget saw this provision being removed from the end of this month.

Councillor Steve Claymore, Cabinet Member for Economic Health, said:

“Thousands of people have used the free swimming service at both Belgrave and Wilnecote and we were keen for this to continue, despite the grant being cut nationally.

“At last week’s meeting we asked for other funding options to be looked into and I am pleased to say that we have been successful and free swimming will continue across Tamworth.”

The free swimming now has funding until April 2011.