Oldham taking free swimming plunge

TEENAGERS and pensioners in Oldham have taken the plunge more than 10,000 times since free swimming was introduced.

Figures for the first three months show over-60s accounted for 3,483 free swims and under-16s visited 6,916 times.

The Government has set aside £140 million for local authorities to run the schemes, with a further £10 million on offer to rebuild pool facilities as a reward for signing up to both initiatives.

Oldham is one of more than 250 councils nationwide offering free swimming.

Other authorities turned down Government funding saying they could not afford to subsidise the perk.

Councillor John McCann, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “I am delighted that people have taken full advantage of the free swimming sessions.

“The successful uptake reflects all the hard work done by the council and our key partners to get the scheme up and running — it is a classic example of great partnership working.”

A breakdown of the three-month figures show pensioners were consistent in the usage over the period with more than 1,100 taking up the offer every month. In April, when the scheme started, only 548 under-16s made a splash — but figures for May and June exceeded 3,000 each month once more teenagers learned of the scheme.

Nationally, young people had 2.8 million free swims and a further 1.6 million visits to pools were made by the over 60s.

Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw said: “This is a big idea that has fast become a big hit at pools all over the country.”

Health Secretary Andy Burnham added: “I’m thrilled the free swimming initiative is so popular with both young and older people.

“Getting moving in the water makes your whole body work that little bit harder.”