DORCHESTER: Free swimming scheme cut short

The sessions for young and older people was due to continue until March 2011, but the Government recently announced that funding for the free swimming initiative will end immediately. 

However the district council is looking to continue the scheme until the end of the school holidays.

A report being considered by West Dorset District Council’s Executive Committee later this month will recommend that the free swimming scheme at Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre continues until September 5th 2010, so children can benefit during the summer holidays. 

The normal pricing policy will then resume, including the usual free swimming for children aged four and under.

Earlier this year, the district council won funding from the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) to fund free swimming lessons for teenagers and people aged over 60 who can’t swim.  

Despite the ASA’s funding being cut, the district council is hoping to finance the lessons until March 2011, along with free swimming for people with a disabled leisure pass at Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre.

It is also recommended that the district council continue to provide its own funding to Bridport Leisure Centre  and Beaminster Community Pool Association so these pools can continue to provide free swimming for peopled aged 16 or under and 60 or over until March 31st 2011.

West Dorset District Council Community Enabling Manager Nick Thornley said: “The free swimming scheme has been very well received by customers and we have seen a significant increase in the number of people going swimming, so we are disappointed that the scheme is coming to an end.

“In April, limited free swimming was launched for one year only at the pools in Bridport, Beaminster and Sherborne but because the district council, rather than the Government provided the funding, they will be able to continue until March 2011.”

The district council has given Bridport Leisure Centre £30,000 so both age groups can swim for free on Saturdays and Sundays.

Until September 2010, Beaminster Community Pool Association is offering free swimming for under 16s on Saturdays at 10am and Wednesdays from 4pm, thanks to a £3,000 grant.

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