News that government-funded free swimming is to end was greeted with disappointment in Stratford District. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced that funding for free swimming will be stopped this summer as part of national cost-cutting measures.
As a result, Stratford District Council says it is no longer affordable to continue the scheme for free swimming for the over 60's at the District Council's leisure facilities and will be stopping its free swim scheme at the end of July 2010.
Councilor Mike Brain, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "We are obviously disappointed to receive the news that the funding to support this initiative has been stopped and have tried to look at alternative funding options, but in this difficult financial climate the initiative cannot be continued. The grant we received from government totalled £49,985 and while it would be great to continue the scheme, the Council does not have sufficient funds to subsidise swimming. The Council's commitment was always said that the scheme would continue as long as there was government funding.
"The decision to stop this funding now is not totally unexpected in the context of the financial difficulties being expressed by the government, and we would ask the public to be patient and understand why it is necessary to take this step at this time and I hope it doesn't put people off going for a swim in the District. We have some fantastic facilities at our four leisure centres and lots of different packages available. Free swimming will continue through to the end of July and I would encourage residents to take advantage while they still can."
From 1 August 2010 there will be a return to the subsidised swim and parking that previously existed for the over 60's and a continuation of free swimming for the disabled.
