Swimmers aged over 65 will be able to swim for free in Merton thanks to the council’s ongoing mission to become London’s borough of sport.

It means from this week swimmers in this age group will be able to swim for free during timetabled sessions in any of the borough’s leisure centres.

The announcement comes in the wake of decision to make swimming for free for under 16-year-olds in the borough and the council holding its Big Sports Day earlier in the autumn.

Councillor Caroline Cooper Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage, said: “Making swimming for free for residents who are over 65 as well as younger people shows we’re prepared to walk the walk in our mission to make Merton a healthier borough and become London’s Borough of Sport. It’s also another sign that we’re doing all we can to help our residents through this cost of living crisis.”

And veteran swimming champion Jane Asher also backed the move.

The 92-year-old Morden resident said: “I think making swimming for free for older people is absolutely fantastic and shows great foresight. Swimming is great for the body and soul and has helped me keep going strong at 92 years young!”

For more detail on new swimming sessions for over 65s go to Free swimming for over-65s | Merton Council