Forum Topic

Free Swimming for the over 60's

In June the Labour Government said they would implement free swimming for the "Over 60's". I have to no wish to pay another £90 for an annual pass only to find that free swimming is going to be implemnted shortly. Does anyone know when this new initative will be started in Hounslow?

Philip Weaver ● 6491d19 Comments

I just happened to have an interest in it and so was following it.  I used to feel and complained that the Council (LBE) kept all info to themselves - they are now being criticised for advertising. Politics can be such a pain and so negative.At least if they have factual info on the website it is accessible 24/7 to a lot of people who can then tell other people and then there shouldn't be the same problem.We are paying Council Tax for the services that are provided so should know/be able to find out about them.You were looking at the Leisure Card page.  There was a link on the right hand side of another web page that I did notice.  Perhaps it could be clearer.  You could give your feedback to LBE.  It helps if we all do it!

Philippa Bond ● 6235d

Oh, it's an Ealing Council press re;ease - pity their left hand doesn't coordinate with their right hand

Dan Filson ● 6235d

PhilippaThanks.Again I stand corrected. Silly me for looking at Ealing Council's own website:http://www.ealing.gov.uk/services/leisure/sports_and_leisure/leisure_discounts/and believing that rather than someone else's press release.You just cannot trust these coucnil websites, can you, blowing their horns about their efficiency and performance when really ... no, I won't say it, because somewhere there will be a press notice proving me wrong.Dan

Dan Filson ● 6235d

Actually in Ealing there is free swimming for over 60s and under 16s!  You'll find the Press Release here:http://www.ealing.gov.uk/press_releases/2009/april/pr1410.html

Philippa Bond ● 6236d

I stand corrected!I had thought Labour were still in power given the vituperation against them on other threads.

Dan Filson ● 6236d

"So depsite fears to the contrary, Labour in Hounslow delivered the Government promise of free swimming for the over 60s."It was in fact the Conservative/Community Group Administration in Hounslow who have delivered this to local residents partly funded with some assistance from Central Government.Labour were last in charge in May 2006.

Paul Fisher ● 6236d

So depsite fears to the contrary, Labour in Hounslow delivered the Government promise of free swimming for the over 60s.  Meanwhile over here in Conservative Ealing, no such luck, only half price: http://www.ealing.gov.uk/services/leisure/sports_and_leisure/leisure_discounts/

Dan Filson ● 6236d

See http://www.hounslow-leisure.com/documents/A4_2pp_App_Form.pdf for application form

Philip Weaver ● 6236d

Anyone over 60 can swim for free from 1 April at their local Hounslow pool as part of the swimming initiative Swim 4 Life, promised by the government in June last year.Swimming is a great way to keep active and stay healthy and is something everyone can enjoy. Swimming is  particularly good for people who can’t exercise easily or need to protect their joints.With five pools in the borough to choose from you could take the grandchildren swimming too as public swimming time is free for under fives too. Most pools have family changing rooms with plenty of space.  So pick up the bus pass and have a free day out!  For more details contact your local centre or visit www.hounslow-leisure.com.Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre 0845 456 6675Feltham Airparcs Leisure Centre 0845 456 6675Isleworth Recreation Centre 0845 456 6675New Chiswick Pool 0845 456 6675 Heston Pool 0845 456 6675

Paul Fisher ● 6271d

Dear Paul,Many thanks for the update, I hope to be one of the first in line in April.Merry ChristmasPhilip

Philip Weaver ● 6365d

Dear PhilipI am please to say that free swimming for the sixty and overs is planned to commence in April 2009.Best wishesPaul

Paul Fisher ● 6365d

Dear Paul, Now three months on since your last message, is there any positive news, or is it just another Labour promise that will disappear with time? Merry ChristmasPhilip

Philip Weaver ● 6365d

Dear Paul,Very many thanks for your positive input, I shall be looking forward to the official word somewhere?Regards

Philip Weaver ● 6464d

Dear all,I am very pleased to say that Hounslow will now be shortly introducing free swimming for the over sixties and is also looking in to the possibily of providing the same for our young residents aged sixteen and under.Best wishesPaul

Paul Fisher ● 6464d

Thanks for the information provided about Mr. Lee, I took the liberty of requesting him to post an answer to the question here. I have received an answer which is as follows:Dear Capt. Weaver,Thank you for your kind email.We are looking into the provision of free swimming for the over sixties at the moment. There are still some questions to be answeredby central government on this matter and we are hoping to be able to make an announcement soon.I am sorry for the delay, but it is important that we are clear about the service we can offer before issuing a press statement.Regards,Adrian.I have replied requesting that when he has some answers, to post them here for all to see.

Philip Weaver ● 6476d

I understand a decision will be made by the 15th SeptemberRegardsPaul

Paul Fisher ● 6476d

Can you get swimming on prescription?

Philippa Bond ● 6477d

The list of executive portfolios shows Adrian Lee as overseeing Leisure :• Leisure, Libraries, Parks, Arts and Museum Strategy• Tendering of Leisure and Cultural Services• Client-side role for Leisure and Cultural Services• Cemeteries and CrematoriaHowever, it strikes me as a pretty unreasonable timescale for Council Chief Executives to apply by mid September for something that was announced in detail on 17th July. By the time Andy Burnham's letter has been opened and officers start thinking about the implications, drawing up reports, consulting with councillors.........We'll see if Hounslow rises to the challenge !

Tim Henderson ● 6479d

And more details about the scheme for which bids are required from the Local Authority before 15 September 2008...http://www.sittingbourneandsheppeylabour.org.uk/pages/news_item.aspx?i_PageID=12655&i_News_CatID=38

Philippa Bond ● 6479d

http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=706347Manchester already has free swimming for the over 60s.Who has the portfolio for leisure services in Hounslow?

Philippa Bond ● 6479d