Free swimming concessions continue in Warminster until end of September

Wiltshire council have announced that thanks to continued financial support from NHS Wiltshire, they are able to carry on providing free swimming until the end of

September, despite the Government withdrawing its funding.

People aged 60 or over and 16 and under can continue to swim for free in

Wiltshire at any council-run leisure centre for this period.

The Government recently announced its funding for free swimming would stop on July 31.

The previous Government introduced the swimming initiative and NHS

Wiltshire provided additional funding to support free swimming

sessions and lessons.

The council will review the future funding commitment as part of its budget setting process in the autumn.

Stuart Wheeler, cabinet member for leisure, said: “I’m really pleased we

can carry on providing free swimming across the county during the

summer holidays. Our excellent partnership working with NHS Wiltshire

has resulted in us tackling a range of health related issues including

getting more people, more active, more often.”

Maggie Rae, joint director for public health, said: “I am delighted that

NHS Wiltshire can fulfil its financial commitment to this valuable

scheme."