Merton Council to offer free swimming to over 60s

· by · in Environment. ·

In a move to encourage residents to get healthy and stay active Merton Council will be offering free swimming to over 60s from April 2009.

The council is to take advantage of an £86,246 grant from central Government over two years to encourage over 60s’ participation in sport and active recreation and to increase their level of health and well being. Sutton and Merton PCT has also contributed £30,000 to the initiative.

Merton is working closely with our leisure provider, Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) to ensure we take full advantage of these and other opportunities.

Merton Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Maurice Groves said: “This initiative is helping us put the needs of our residents first as well as give them great value for money. We are very grateful to the PCT for their substantial financial contribution.

“Merton’s over 60s really should take advantage of this wonderful two year offer. Swimming is great exercise for the whole body, working the muscles and improving circulation, and will undoubtedly help our older residents maintain a healthy body and mind. It’s also very sociable as people can go to the pool with their friends. I am pleased to be working closely with our partners at the PCT and our leisure providers, GLL.”

-ENDS-

Note to editors
1. For younger residents GLL, the company charged with managing the council’s leisure centres, already operates its ‘Kids for a quid’ initiative in partnership with the council. Children under 16 pay a £2 membership fee and are able to swim at any time for £1. This has been running for three years and operates Monday-Saturday.
2. GLL offers special monthly and yearly concessionary membership rates for Merton residents who receive income support, housing benefit, council tax benefit, jobseekers’ allowance, incapacity benefit or severe disablement allowance. Senior citizens (60+) or full time students living or studying in Merton also qualify for these rates. Where junior concessionary memberships are available a junior dependent of any of these is applicable (off-peak only).