Free swimming comes to Castle Point, thanks to Labour

Julian Ware-Lane, Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Castle Point, was pleased to see that Castle Point Borough Council has agreed to apply for funding from the Government's Swimming Challenge Fund.

The Government Fund provides £140 million to enable free swimming for over 60s and under 16s.

Julian said "this decision is most welcome. The fund is an important first step in Labour’s aspiration for free swimming for everyone. In the run up to the Olympics in 2012 Labour wants everyone to have the opportunity to get fit and stay fit."

Councillor Brian Wilson (Labour) also backed this decision, adding that: "Swimming has universal appeal, and requires little equipment, is family friendly and very good for you. Our youngsters and elderly will really appreciate this."

Julian did, however, express regret that they were not applying for capital grants for Waterside Pool on the grounds that it is coming to its "end of life".

"This fantastic decision is somewhat marred when one thinks that Canvey Island will miss out. Those on the island might, in the future, have to travel to enjoy their free swims".

The swimming scheme is jointly funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Department of Health, Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The £140 million fund will be available to Local Authorities from 2009/10 for two years. Of that £80 million will be available as resource funding (essentially helping waive admission costs) and £60m will be available as a capital fund to help rejuvenate and maintain existing swimming pools.