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Free Swimming to continue until the autumn
Three Rivers council has decided to continue to provide free swimming at 3 pools for pensioners and the under 19’s for the autumn season when the scheme will be under monthly review
Three Rivers had aimed to continue to provide free swimming at three pools until the end of the summer holidays because of fears that the Government would cut its £70,000 of grant funding for the year.
The Government has now promised a reduced grant of £28,000 instead of a complete cut and Three Rivers District Council will continue to part-fund the scheme during the current year. The future of the scheme will depend upon the number of people who use it and upon further cuts to Council funding over the next three years. Further cuts to local authority funding, from April of next year, are expected to be announced by the Government in October.
Three Rivers’ Cabinet Member for Leisure and Community, Chris Whately-Smith, said ‘Between April and July 20,000 free swims were enjoyed by pensioners and youngsters in Three Rivers. The scheme benefits people on a tight budget especially.
‘We have saved £1.24M over the last two years through increased efficiency, a staff recruitment freeze and by providing back office services jointly with Watford Council. But all budgets are under increasing pressure - rather than giving an arbitrary deadline, we are determined to keep free swimming for as long as we possibly can.’
He added, ‘We remain committed to our other free and low cost leisure activities including the free holiday gym scheme for U19s.’
Free swimming is available for Three Rivers residents at William Penn Leisure Centre, Sir James Altham Pool and Watford Woodside Leisure Centre.
Other activities for young people this summer in Three Rivers include play schemes; play rangers; skate board parks; football and tennis camps; arts, crafts and drama workshops; fishing and music camps. More information is available at www.threerivers.gov.uk 01923 776611. Information about the Council’s Everyday Active programme for the over 50s is also available.
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