MP hails success of free swimming (outside Hull)

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today joined Sports Secretary Ben Bradshaw in welcoming new figures showing more than one million free swims across the country.

The popular Labour free swimming scheme was started in April this year and has exceeded expectation with 259 councils offering it for people over 60, and 190 for those 16 and under.

Diana Johnson MP said: "It is a shame that Hull people are missing out on free swimming because the Lib Dem Council refused Government cash for it at the same time as increasing charges for Council sports facilities. By not taking part in free swimming, Hull also lost out on money to improve local pools.

"The benefits of offering a fun, healthy leisure activity for free far outweigh any cost, especially in these tough economic times. In the school summer holidays, it is especially great to see youngsters taking full advantage of free swimming all over the country. We all know how important exercise is to people, and swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for people of all ages.

"Lib Dems can find money for party spin doctors to help explain their failures, but not for free swimming that would actually benefit local people. This Council has shown yet again that they do not take the health and well-being of our local community seriously."

Labour's Sports Secretary Ben Bradshaw MP said: "Swimming is a wonderful way to stay healthy and can involve all the family, so I am really pleased that so many people have taken advantage of it. It also ensures that local pools are given a new lease of life in the heart of their communities."

Ends