West Lindsey District Council Keep Free Swimming For The Summer Despite Cuts

Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council has pledged to keep free swimming for the young and old throughout the duration of the summer holidays.

The news comes just weeks after the Coalition Government axed the funding for the free swimming programme - aimed at under 16's and over 65's.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward), said:

"At the moment we are the only council in Lincolnshire, who have made a commitment to go down this route.

"We have taken the decision after careful consideration and believe we have made the right decision for the local community.

"In May, more than three thousand people accessed the free service in West Lindsey, helping to keep them occupied and lead a healthier lifestyle.

"As a council we are delighted to be able to continue to provide the service especially through-out the summer holidays until the end of August."

Figures show that in May, 2,114 under 16 year-old and 902 people over the age of 60 accessed the service.

Mr. Dick Holmes a spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said:

"We fully support the continuation of this initiative. The police service in general works hard to provide diverse activities for children and young people particularly through the summer holidays. The fact West Lindsey District Council is keeping the free swimming throughout the summer can only assist us with that."

To be eligible for free swimming applicants need to register at the leisure centre and provide proof of age, either with a birth certificate or a bus pass.

For more details visit the West Lindsey Leisure Centre, The Avenue, Gainsborough or call (01427) 615169.

Work to Start on Market Rasen pool

Work is set to start on building a swimming pool in Market Rasen before the end of the year.

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) told a meeting of the Full Council last night that contractors would be on site during the autumn and construction would take 18 months. Cllr. Duguid said:

"This will mean that during the summer of 2012 – Olympic year – Market Rasen will have the swimming pool that has been wanted for so long."

The project has been costed at £2.4 million and the 25 metre four-lane pool will feature a dome which will allow both indoor and outdoor use. There will also be changing facilities, a gym and a wet play area for children.

Right: This is the style of pool which will be build on Willingham Road, Market Rasen.

The site for the development is on Willingham Road on land currently occupied by the Market Rasen and Louth Rugby Club.

Cllr. Duguid said: "We have come to an agreement with the rugby club that they will move to a site on the other side of the road where there will be a new club house with changing facilities, three pitches – one floodlit – a training pitch and car parking. A funding bid has been made to the Rugby Football Union to help with the costs.

"This is what makes this project so exciting – not only does the town get a fantastic new pool but the excellent rugby club, which has a thriving junior and senior membership – gets wonderful new facilities."

Peter Dixon, President of Market Rasen and Louth Rugby Club said:

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the rugby club which is currently enjoying great playing success. The new facilities will allow the club to build on that success in future years. Rugby has always been a major part of the town’s sporting scene and the club is proud to play a part in this tremendous development for the people of Market Rasen and the surrounding area."

Cllr. Duguid said the whole development, which is subject to contract, was great news for Market Rasen.

"Local people and visitors will have a wonderful swimming pool, gym and rugby facilities in the same area as golf, the race course and Willingham Woods; it will be a splendid sporting and leisure attraction."