Free swimming comes to the Cotswolds

11.30.00am GMT Sat 23rd Aug 2008

Free swimming for retired people

Retired people in the Cotswolds will soon be swimming for free, thanks to a Liberal Democrat proposal. At Thursday's CDC Cabinet Meeting, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet presented a motion asking for Government money to be used to fund this new service. The motion was approved by the Cabinet and will now be introduced by the Council.

Shadow spokesman for Sport, Cllr Peter Clarke (Water Park) says, "The Liberal Democrat Group is pleased that the Cabinet has agreed to its proposal to proceed with an application to government for finance to provide free swimming for the over 60s as from 1 April 2009. Members are also pleased that the Cabinet has agreed to investigate further the possibility of applying for finance for free swimming for the under 16's. We note that this is for a two year period and we will be pressing for the arrangement to be made permanent whoever is in power after the General election in 2009 or 2010."

Cllr Clarke, who proposed the motion to Cabinet, believes the move will help promote a healthy lifestyle, "I am delighted that we have made this progress towards improving the safety, welfare and fitness of our older people."

The motion was seconded by Cllr Margaret Edney (Stratton Whiteway) who said, "With increasing numbers of elderly in the Cotswolds, this shows the Council is really aware of their needs. I hope the bid for Government money succeeds."

As the Beijing Olympics comes to a close with spectacular success for the British team, Cllr Clarke is also pleased that the Leader of the Council, in answer to his question at Thursday's Cabinet meeting, will consider honouring Cotswold athletes: "I've suggested that arrangements be made for a Civic Reception for Cotswold District Council residents directly involved in the Olympic Games. Our participants have done us proud, so I'm glad that the Leader has agreed to talk to the Chair of Council about this."