No free swimming decision upheld

A decision not to provide free swimming for under 16s in Bath and North East Somerset has been upheld.

The council rejected the government-requested project in December, claiming the grant proposed for the initiative would not cover all the costs.

A review meeting on Tuesday, requested by Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors, heard evidence from both sides and from the public.

It recommended asking for more money to fully fund the scheme long-term.

The decision by the Conservative-led council was made last year but 11 councillors from opposing parties called for the ruling to be reviewed.

B&NES was one of 163 local authorities that decided not to go ahead with the initiative.