10:42am Thursday 5th August 2010
FREE swimming lessons have been saved for disabled youngsters in Burnley after a new deal was struck.
Pool sessions for children have been axed following the government’s suspension of the national free swimming programme.
But following talks with Burnley Children’s Trust Partnership, the borough council has secured funding of £3,245 for the first two terms of the 2010-11 school year.
Before the cuts, the lessons had been funded by the Amateur Swimming Association.
Coun Charlie Bullas, leisure cabinet member, said: “I am extremely pleased that we have been able to secure interim funding to retain the free swimming provision for disabled children until the end of this year.”
Extra efforts will also be made to secure longer-term funding for the intiative with Ridgewood staff.
Council leader Coun Charlie Briggs, said: “I am confident that this support will give the school time to work with our sports development team to find further external funding for longer-term provision.”
One of the first to benefit will be Ridgewood Community High School, where pupils with autistic spectrum disorder have improved their communication skills through swimming.
Ridgewood headteacher Fran Entwistle said: “All our pupils were given the opportunity to swim last year and the progress made was incredible.
“A number of our students have severe physical difficulties and are wheelchair bound. Swimming gives them freedom of movement and enables them to participate fully alongside their peers.
“Swimming has become an integral part of their movement programme and helps them sustain their mobility for as long as possible.”
Free swimming has been axed in Burnley and Rossen-dale for youngsters and over-60s. In Pendle the scheme has been cut for senior citizens but will continue until the end of March for youngsters.
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