Date: 17/09/2008
Free swimming for residents, aged 60 and over, will be available next year at pools in Buxton, Glossop and New Mills.
High Peak is one of the first councils in Derbyshire to commit to the free swimming scheme for the over-60s and this is being introduced, following a recent Government announcement.
The free swim initiative, only made possible with an additional £20,000 of funding from the Borough Council, will run for a period of two years and is due to start in April 2009.
The overall aim of the scheme is to increase the number of people, aged 60 and over, who live in the High Peak, to swim regularly, encouraging them to remain active and independent -- providing important social benefits and the chance to meet other people.
Andrew Bingham, Executive Councillor for Social and Community Development, said: "The Government has offered some funding for this two-year scheme, however, it isn't enough to support it in the High Peak. We were given very little time to sign up to this scheme and it meant that the Council has had to find an extra £20,000 over the next two years. As the portfolio holder, I was keen to try and do this, despite the tight financial constraints within the Council.
"I am delighted that we have found the money required. The Council already provides some excellent activities for young people across the Borough, but we must not forget all ages of the population. We have worked with our new partners DC Leisure on this and I am pleased that they are equally committed to providing this for our residents over the next two years."