Over 60s swim for free in Sutton from April 2009.

10.31.00am GMT Thu 26th Mar 2009

Sutton's Lib Dem Council has enthusiastically backed a scheme to provide free swimming for the over 60s.

The borough's swimming pools will open their doors free of charge to people aged 60 and over as part of the Government's swim4life initiative from this April. The campaign, linked to the nationwide Change4Life campaign, aims to get people to lead more active, healthy lives in the run up to London 2012.

Councillor Graham Tope, Lib Dem lead councillor for Leisure, said: "Staying active in later years is one way people can continue to enjoy their life to the full and the pool is a great place to exercise regardless of your ability.

"This offer, alongside other council programmes such as Stay Active Every Day, means that Sutton now offers a great range of low and no cost sports and activities for older residents."

Sutton is one of almost 300 Council's across England to take part in the Government's free swimming scheme. The £140 million programme lasts for two years and is a central part of plans to ensure a lasting legacy from the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

This project is being run over a two year period (April 2009 - March 2011) and is expected to cost more than £100,000 a year. It will be funded by a range of partners including Sutton Council (£42,000), the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (£47,000), Sutton & Merton Primary Care Trust (£15,000), and will be administered by the borough's leisure provider, Greenwich Leisure Ltd

Sutton has provided a free-swimming scheme for those aged 60 and over for many years and the extra funding will allow this offer to be extended.

Those aged 60 and over will be able to swim at Cheam Leisure Centre from 1 April 2009 and at Westcroft Leisure Centre from 27 April 2009. The free swimming offer applies from 8am, seven days a week during public sessions.