23 September 2008

Support for Free Swimming for the Over 60s

Wealden District Council is to apply for extra Government cash in order to provide free swimming for residents aged 60 and over at the district's three Freedom Leisure Centre swimming pools in Crowborough, Uckfield and Hailsham.

This will be a pilot project for two years starting in April 2009 and ending in March 2011.

"This is a great incentive to everyone aged 60 and over to help stay healthy and fit," said Councillor Ron Cussons, Cabinet Portfolio holder for the Community. "There are many other activities available at our Freedom Leisure Centres. I hope it will encourage them to see what else is on offer.

"Staying healthy is an important part of everyone's well-being whatever their age. We want to promote opportunities to help people maintain an active lifestyle. Just over one per cent of the District's over 60s currently swim in the Freedom Leisure pools. This pilot should encourage others to take the plunge."

"The Department of Culture Media and Sport is offering an annual grant of £57,173 for the next two years to provide this service. We do not expect it to result in any extra cost to the Wealden taxpayers.

"There are still a number of details to be finalised before we can commence this scheme but we are hopeful that we can start offering free swimming for those aged 60 and over from next April."

“Freedom Leisure is delighted to be supporting Wealden District Council to provide free swimming at its pools in Hailsham, Crowborough and Uckfield," said Karen Burrell, Head of Marketing for Freedom Leisure. "Swimming is a great form of exercise and is particularly suitable for the over 60s. We hope to see more people taking advantage of this great opportunity to get more active.”

Wealden District Council is working in partnership with its leisure provider, Freedom Leisure to get the scheme started in time for next April.