Free swimming for children and pensioners is axed by Plymouth City Council
FREE swimming for children and pensioners in Plymouth is being scrapped, the city council confirmed last night.
Funding has been pulled following the announcement of sweeping cuts by the coalition Government. Plymouth City Council said it was "disappointed" it could no longer offer the scheme, which will be withdrawn at the end of this month.
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"We do have an obesity issue in this country and this was one of the areas that was going to try to alleviate that," said Jon Rudd, head coach at Plymouth Leander Swimming Club.
Mr Rudd said he would see the biggest impact in young swimmers.
"It gave the opportunity to get involved in aquatics and then to get involved in the sport at a more serious level," he said.
The decision to scrap the free scheme came as the council also confirmed a £750,000 grant from Sport England to be used at the Life Centre had been axed.
The free swimming scheme for under 16s and over 60s was rolled out by the former Government last year to promote the sport's health benefits ahead of the 2012 Olympics in London.
Last December the city council decided to join the scheme, allowing it to apply for a £750,000 capital grant towards the cost of the £46.5 million Life Centre.
Council officers have since been told the free swimming programme has been axed, along with the Life Centre grant.
Officers looked at keeping either or both running but they advised members that "these options would require a revenue subsidy above allocated budgets, that would not be recouped through the free swimming initiative and would go against the direction of government".
Plymouth's Labour group reacted angrily to the council's decision, saying it was short-sighted.
"Since the free swimming initiative was introduced, over 110,000 free swims have been taken by the over 60s and under 16s in Plymouth," said Councillor Peter Smith, Labour shadow spokesman for community services.
The city council said it understood the Government had to make "tough financial decisions". To continue subsidising free swims for under 16s and over 60s would cost at least £130,000 a year, it said.
A spokesman added: "Providing high-quality pools which are accessible at all times and developing Plymouth as a centre of excellence for swimming, diving and other water sports will remain a priority for us."
The spokesman said the news the £750,000 Life Centre grant had been withdrawn was also "disappointing" but the ambitious scheme, which is under construction at Central Park, did not depend on it. He said: "We will now need to investigate whether any alternative funding sources are available or whether any further cost savings can be made on the project."
Cornwall County Council has agreed on a subsidised rate for the over 60s.
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by Karen Taylor, Plymouth
Saturday, July 24 2010, 4:01PM
“How can we develop an interest in swimming when the free facilities for our children are being taken away? This is a great leisure facility and enjoyed by children, it promotes the sport which we claim to champion in Plymouth. Plymouth should be at the forefront of promoting and developing swimmers and divers alike given the home grown Olympic standard atheletes that have emerged from this city. It is a fantastic sport and a good healthy activity for teenagers to enjoy and give their time and energy to. This free facility to teenagers should not stop we should be encouraging them, not discouraging them. Come on Plymouth make a u-turn on this one and allow fun to continue.”
by Neil, Plympton
Friday, July 23 2010, 4:37PM
“As a council tax payer I would much rather see my hard earned money being spent on providing free swimming for our youngsters and eldery. Better this than waste it on providing permanent traveller sites for a bunch of free-loaders who seem to have no respect for people or their property.”
by laughig, funhouse
Friday, July 23 2010, 12:01AM
“i know this as nothing to do with this story,or any other but john im wetting myself,with the troll,love it x ive been talk about on here so glad some one is saying the the truth x”
by Leigh, Plymouth
Thursday, July 22 2010, 11:19PM
“I wander if this story has been released to cover the bad news that pavilions is closing next year and that no ice rim is going to be put in the life centre as previously stated. PCC are committed to finding a suitable site for a new one apparently, I know the perfect site. Pavilions!”
by GOM, Plymouth
Thursday, July 22 2010, 9:52PM
“As a hard working tax payer I have to pay if I want to swim or indeed do anything. If you can't afford it you can't have it. There's too many freebies for certain groups of people!
Don't even get me started on disabled parking!”
by Fred, Plymouth
Thursday, July 22 2010, 9:36PM
“Sean deBrún, Devon I am in total AGREEMENT with your comment I am sick to dearth of seeing quite able bodied people carry loads of bags etc returning to their cars at the rear of Noahs Ark pub getting into the driving seat and driving off. If genuinely disabled I don't have a problem with free parking BUT the vast majority of those with a blue badge are NOT disabled in any way shape or form
As for free swimming I think everyone should pay it's not a necessity is it”
by Jack Ringer Town Crier, Plymouth, Devon
Thursday, July 22 2010, 9:34PM
“I think we should all cheer up, keep calm and carry on.
...having said that I can't swim but will learn when the Life Centre opens.
I'm 60 next year, I'm not too well off but will happily pay to stay in shape and handsome ;)
Jack”
by Steve, Stonehouse
Thursday, July 22 2010, 9:07PM
“So the cost of the free swims was £130,000 a year. £130K = one tenth of what the Councillors claim on expenses. Just sack a tenth of the Councillors. Reorganise the Political boundaries. They won't be there to make these stupid decisions then.
I bet the budget cuts didn't mean less champagne parties at the Lord Mayor's Parmour!”
by Crater Kid, Hooe.
Thursday, July 22 2010, 8:44PM
“For 'Life Centre', read, 'White Elephant'!
For 'Plymouth City Council', read, 'The Muppet Show'!”
by Paul, Plymouth
Thursday, July 22 2010, 6:59PM
“Quite frankly if you've got kids and can't afford to take them swimming then maybe you need to get your priorites sorted out?”