Swimming prices for youngsters and pensioners living in Dudley will increase for the third time in 18 months, it has emerged today.

New charges for swimmers are among increases being introduced at Dudley borough leisure centres in the New Year.

Council bosses said inflation and budget pressures were to blame for the price rises – which equate to an average of three per cent.

An adult swim will cost £3.60, up by 10p from £3.50 in the past 12 months. Swims for over 60s and children will cost £2.20 per session which has been increased from £2.10.

This will be the third rise in prices for under 16s and over 60s since the council’s free swimming scheme was scrapped in August 2010 following Government cuts.

Charges of £2 were immediately introduced – an increase of 20p from when they last had to pay in 2008. A further review of prices was held in January this year and another five per cent rise was implemented.

Swimmers have a choice of pools at leisure centres in Dudley, Halesowen and Stourbridge.

Other charges which will be increased are charges to play badminton and squash – up 10p to £8.50 and up 5p for juniors to £4.25.

Gym membership costs have been frozen.