Free swimming for Burnley and Padiham pensioners

12:16pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

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PENSIONERS in Burnley and Padiham will be able to swim for free as council bosses prepare to splash out on a Government-backed pools programme.

And youngsters could also share in the baths bonanza, depending on town hall funds.

Council chiefs are set to agree participation in the free swimming drive after hearing the grant on offer from Whitehall should cover any lost leisure centre income.

Over 60s using pools at St Peter’s centre in Burnley and Padiham Leisure Centre forked out more than £7,500 in fees last year alone – and that annual figure is expected to rise to nearly £8,500 for the coming 12 months.

But Burnley Council is being promised at least £25,000 plus for taking part.

Even if half of the 102 senior citizen leisure card holders enjoy free swim, losses would amount to only £12,000, councillors have been told.

Leisure head Mick Cartledge says in a report to the council's executive: “There is much evidence to demonstrate that increased physical activity has a positive impact on an health.

“Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for more elderly residents. The council has signed up to the (East Lancashire) primary care trust's campaign to ‘Save a Million Years of Life’ and this initiative can only help that.”

But Mr Cartledge did sound a note of caution, as councils have been caught out by unprecedented demand in other areas, such as the introduction of concessionary bus fares.

But believes the leisure service can cope with any anticipated demands.

The council is also expressing an interest in a secondary scheme which would offer free swimming under 16s.

Once the response has been assessed by Whitehall, the amount of funding will be determined per council and a final decision can then be made on whether town halls still wish to take part.