A DECISION by the new Government to axe free swimming for the under 16s and over 60s is ‘really disappointing’ a Solihull council chief has said.Labour gave councils cash to pay for the free swims but this was axed by the new coalition Government of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
The offer, for North Solihull Sports Centre and Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, will end on July 31.
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Councillor Graham Craig, Labour cabinet member for community services at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, hit out.
He said in a press release: “It is really disappointing that the free swimming provision has been cut, but I hope it doesn’t put people off going for a swim in Solihull.
“We have some fantastic facilities at both our leisure centres and lots of different packages available.”
Labour and the Liberal Democrats formed a coalition to run the council, taking over from the Conservatives, following elections on May 6.
Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and Olympics, said: “This is not a decision that gives me any pleasure.
“However, the research shows that the great majority of free swimmers were swimming already, and would have paid to swim anyway.
“With a crippling deficit to tackle and tough decisions to take, this has become a luxury we can no longer afford.”
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