Cutbacks Scupper Free Swimming

Free swimming sessions for under-16s and over-60s at Hythe Pool will stop at the end of July because of government cutbacks.

Shepway District Council took up the offer of the two-year funding programme and free swimming started at Hythe Pool in April last year.

But government cutbacks mean that the programme will now end eight months early. Swimmers have until the end of July to enjoying swimming for free but will have to pay from 1 August.

Cllr Carole Waters, Cabinet Member for Sport and Culture, said: "It is a shame that this initiative is coming to an end eight months early. The free swimming offer has helped bring more over-60s and under-16s back into swimming.

"However, we do understand why the government has to make these cuts. We will look for other ways to ensure that sport and active recreation remain accessible for all Shepway residents."

Cllr Waters said Folkestone Sports Centre was still able to offer some swimming lessons and specialist sessions for free to people who applied directly and who meet selection criteria.

"These special sessions are being provided using funding from the NHS, so have been unaffected by the central government cuts and will run to March 2011," said Cllr Waters.

Anyone interested in session prices and times at Hythe Pool should call 01303 269177.

Anyone interested in enrolling for the Folkestone Sports Centre sessions should call the centre direct on 01303 850 222.

Other projects affected by the government cuts include the Shepway Find Your Talent scheme, run by the Creative Foundation and Kent County Council; and "A Night Less Ordinary", a project to provide free theatre tickets to under-26s.