Council snubs free swimming cash

Money to fund free swimming in Swindon has been turned down by the town's council because it said its budgets were already under too much pressure.

It has refused money from the government to help fund free swimming for children under 16 but will accept some funding for people over 60.

The borough council accepted £48,548 for free swimming for pensioners but refused £95,524 for those under 16.

The initiative is part of the government's 2012 Legacy Action Plan.

'Always complaining'

Councillor Rod Bluh, from Swindon Borough Council, said: "They make a decision - local tax payers pay for it adding further pressure to an already pressurized budget.

"We're now being asked to do free swimming. We're totally in favour of free swimming but it's their policy so they can fund it.

"And if they don't fund it we are not going to put even further pressures onto a budget."

Anne Snelgrove, Labour MP for south Swindon, said: "The council are always complaining to me that they don't get enough money from central government.

"But when central government gives them nigh on £200,000 to help them with their swimming budget they turn it down. I find it extraordinary."

The government said 80% of local authorities had taken up the scheme.

It announced the £140m fund in June to boost sport and fitness as the centrepiece of a plan for a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.