Free swimming to be cut at leisure centres

Powys County Council has said it is to cut free swimming for under 16-year-olds at the Maldwyn Leisure Centre and other leisure centres in the area.

The news comes on the day a new company takes over the running of Powys' leisure and sports centres, including Maldwyn in Newtown.

From today a not-for-profit company, Freedom Leisure, takes over the running of Powys County Council's leisure centres as part of a 15 year contract with the council.

The company is taking on staff and all services operated at the centres.

However, Powys County Council has revealed that it is cutting the number of free swimming activities following what it says is a cut in grant support from the Welsh Government.

It says the Welsh Government has cut £500,000 in its free swimming grant to local authorities in Wales.

Cut will also be made to free swimming provision to the over 60's from August.

Powys Leisure Manager, Neil Matthews, said: “As a result of the grant reduction the 16 and under free swimming activities will be delivered on a geographical basis across Powys.
 
“This will result in a total of 14 hours per week - seven hours instructed swimming sessions and seven general swimming sessions - available during all school holiday periods across 12 swimming pools.
 
“Provision for 60 plus will continue in its current form until the end of August but from September 1 will only be available during ‘school terms’. There will be a range of various other sessions and opportunities available throughout the year.”

It is not clear how Maldwyn Leisure Centre will be affected based on the provision delivered on a "geographical basis."

It said more information about local leisure centres and services can be found at www.freedom-leisure.co.uk.