September news
Portsmouth’s over 60s get ready to take the plunge without splashing out
Free swimming will be on offer for all over 60s in Portsmouth from April 2009.
Portsmouth City Council has agreed to take part in a two-year Government trial, announced in June, which will pour £140m into free swimming across the country. A decision taken by the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Terry Hall, yesterday will enable those over 60 to take the plunge in any of the city council’s pools without splashing out.
Free swimming gets underway in April 2009, just in time for Portsmouth’s older residents to make the most of the new Olympic-sized pool at the Mountbatten Centre, which is due to open next spring.
Councillor Terry Hall said: “I am delighted that we will be able to offer free swimming for over 60s in Portsmouth. This is great news for the city’s older residents who will be able to take the plunge and improve their health and fitness without paying and penny.
“As the scheme starts next April, the timing couldn’t be better as older people will really be able to make the most of the new Olympic-sized pool at the Mountbatten Centre, which is due to open next spring.”
Portsmouth City Council will receive a grant of almost £50,000 per year to cover some of the costs of two years of free swimming for the over 60s. Any remaining costs will be met by the city council. Over 60s will be able to swim for free in all Portsmouth City Council owned pools.