Wigan Council will still be offering free-swimming to certain groups in 2011.

The council’s ruling cabinet has agreed to a new offer for free swimming for

the year ahead that will target those groups who will benefit most.

In 2009 Wigan Council and its partners Wigan, Leisure and Culture Trust and

Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust, led the way nationally by becoming

one of the first boroughs in the country to offer free-swimming for all.

Prior to the borough had piloted free swimming for the 16s and under and over

60s.

Like other council’s across the country, Wigan is now facing unprecedented

financial pressures. The council must make at least £55M worth of savings over

the next three years.

As a result, cabinet members and officers have been investigating where

savings can be made, whilst ensuring that vital front-line services are

protected.

And whilst a decision has been to reduce the free-swimming offer – the

council has vowed not to do away with the scheme entirely.

From Sunday January 2, free swimming will be available for the 16s and under

during the school holidays and at people aged 65 and over all year round.

Wigan Council’s Cabinet Champion for Culture Cllr Brian Baldwin said: “When

we launched the free-swimming for all scheme we recognised the importance of

physical activity for people’s health and well-being.

“Swimming is a great way of keep fit and we wanted to make sure that everyone

in our borough had access to it regardless of age or circumstances.

“The scheme was really well received by people in the borough but

unfortunately times have changed and we can no longer continue to offer free

swimming for all.

“Faced with big spending cuts the easy option would have been to scrap the

scheme entirely but we wanted to continue to ensure that those groups who would

benefit from free-swimming the most could continue to enjoy it.”

• For those age groups that qualify free swimming will include all general

  public sessions, disabled swim sessions, fun and floats, ladies/men/adults only

  sessions and family swims. It does not include wet and wild, lane swimming and

  Swimfit.

• To take advantage of free swimming you need to have a current Lifestyle

  membership card. From January the cost of the membership card will be £1.60 per

  year.

• The 16s and under free swimming will apply to all school holidays, including

  Easter, Summer, Christmas and half-term holidays.

• For those who do not qualify, there are still a wide range of options

  available to help cut the cost of swimming. Profiles Fitness membership includes

  swimming as part of the monthly or annual fee. You can find out more at your

  local leisure centre.

• For more information on the Lifestyle card and the discounts available go

  to: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust's

  website  or visit

  your local leisure centre/swimming pool.