Extension to offer of Wolverhampton free swims

Thousands of children in Wolverhampton will be able to benefit from free swimming in the city for another year.

The scheme, which has already seen more than 150,000 free swimming passes issued, has been extended for 12 months.

It comes after neighbouring Walsall secured extra funding for its scheme in the autumn. Under-16s in Wolverhampton have been enjoying free swimming since April 2009. Since then, more than 15,000 free passes have been issued and 180,000 swims completed.

Bosses at the city council and Primary Care Trust agreed to the 12-month extension, which covers Central Baths, Bert Williams Leisure Centre and Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre.

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton's leisure boss, said: "More than 15,000 young people have enjoyed the chance to swim for free in Wolverhampton since 2009 and we are delighted that the council and our partners at the PCT have agreed to continue funding this very popular programme until at least March 2013."

Free swimming for children aged 16 and under in Walsall has continued after funding was secured by leisure chiefs last autumn. However, over-60s were asked to start paying £1 after the £84,000-a-year free swim cashpot came to an end in October.

Sandwell and Dudley meanwhile have not been able to offer free swimming since the Government funding ceased back in July 2010

A spokesman at Sandwell said, despite the lack of free swimming in the borough, there were still affordable leisure activities available.

To apply for a free swimming card in Wolverhampton, visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/freeswim