Pool Plug pulled on free swimming in the New Forest

A HAMPSHIRE council will scrap free swimming for children and pensioners despite a last-ditch bid to save it. How will this help our local community to stay healthy?

The New Forest District Council has confirmed it is stoping the scheme with immediate effect as thousands of youngsters are on their summer holidays and is aware of the impact upon them.

Opponents had tried to rescue the project, which was under threat after the Government withdrew a large grant. ~Previously it had allowed under-17s and over-60s to use pools for free.



The Tory-controlled council’s leisure boss decided to drop the 2-year pilot in mid-July after just 14 months. Butthe opposition group leader Councillor David Harrison tried to get the decision reversed. Yesterday he told a review panel that the council would face more tough decisions.

He said the pilot had been successful and was originally to be reviewed after two years. It had increased pool use giving people “a healthier lifestyle, tackling obesity, provision of positive activities instead of what might well be antisocial behaviour” and led to greater use of other facilities, he claimed.

Regrettably free swimming for children and pensioners has already been scrapped by councils across Hampshire however, charges for children using pools in Eastleigh and Winchester will be waived in August.