Council plans to introduce free swimming for over 50s
Telford & Wrekin residents aged over 50 will be able to swim for free at all the borough’s pools – as part of a range of spending plans currently being consulted on.
The initiative means that more than half of the borough’s residents will have access to free swimming as residents under 16 already swim for free.
Research has shown that swimming would be the most popular activity among those who are currently inactive but would like to exercise.
The council already offers reduced price admission for concessionary groups but evidence points to a reduction in sports participation with increasing age.
Extending free swimming to over 50s is intended to increase the physical activity levels among those aged over 50 and bring about consequent health related benefits.
Good financial management and forward planning means the council has already made most of the savings it must find by 2016.
If approved, free swimming for over 50s will be funded for four years at a cost of £50,000 per year as a result of a current budget underspend. Over 50s will need to produce a registered Telford Loyalty Card to be allowed to swim free..
Councillor Liz Clare, cabinet member for Leisure Services and Culture, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we can extend our free swimming offer to the over 50s age group.
“This will encourage older people to be more active and hopefully will result in long term health benefits for our more senior residents with consequent savings for the council and partner organisations like the health service.”
Councillor Richard Overton, chairman of the Telford and Wrekin Health and Well-being Board and the council’s deputy leader, said: “Swimming is a fantastic way to exercise, lose weight and get fitter and I am very proud that we can offer it free to more than half the borough.
“When the budget is finalised and approved by full council, I would encourage people over 50 to go to their local pool and enjoy a good healthy swim.”
Telford & Wrekin Council is currently running a series of roadshows to consult on its spending plans for the next financial year.
Public feedback will be brought back to the council’s next cabinet meeting on February 26 before the budget goes to Full Council on March 5.
If it is approved, free swimming for the over 50s will be introduced from the start of the new financial year at the beginning of April.
