Youngsters still in the swim

Oldham Council will offer free access to public swimming for youngsters, despite the current provision being axed by the Government.

The free swimming scheme for under-16s and over 60s is due to be axed from the end of July after it became one of the casualties of spending cuts enforced by the new coalition. It has withdrawn funding for the pilot scheme which was due to run until March, 2011.

From August, juniors in Oldham who take up a new course of swimming lessons — and pay by direct debit — will also get free access to public swimming sessions for the duration of their course.

Councillor Jackie Stanton, deputy leader of Oldham Council, said: “We are fully committed to keeping participation rates in healthy activity as high as possible.

“We are grateful to have benefited from the free swimming funding for the past 18 months but — with the tough financial decisions that need to taken — we can not be surprised this initiative has been axed.

“In response to the Government’s decision to end the free swimming pilot, we will now also be offering unlimited free swimming access to juniors who attend a course of lessons from August.”

The decision to scrap the pilot was made after a report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers concluded it was not value for money.

Many of the 18 million free swims enjoyed in England in the first year were taken advantage of by people who would, in any case, have paid to swim.

Councillor Stanton said: “Swimming is a fantastic activity that keeps people of all ages in good health. We remain committed to widening participation and are grateful to OCLL (Oldham Community Leisure Ltd) for adopting this new scheme in partnership with Oldham Council.”