Free Swimming in Bristol despite pool closures

Bristol City Council has signed up to a scheme allowing free swimming for eligible age groups in Bristol despite the planned closure of two local pools.

The free swimming sessions are part of £140 million Government scheme set to launch this April.

The Council’s pledge will mean that people aged 16 and under, and 60 and over will be able to swim for free in Bristol.

Bristol City Council will receive a share of £10 million to spend on modernising or improving pool provisions in time for the April launch.

As it opted to offer swimming to both age groups it stands to benefit from a further £25 million capital challenge fund in both 2009/10 and 2010/11 to further improve pool provisions.

Despite this scheme the Council will be shutting two swimming pools in South Bristol to make way for the new Hengrove Healthplex.

The Jubilee Swimming Pool in Knowle and the pool in Bishopsworth are both set to close to make way for this centre.

Local mum Claire Brooks, mother of two said: “ So much for benefiting from the free swimming sessions. Hengrove is miles away. There is no way I would be able to get there from where I live. The Jubilee pool is right next to me so I am not happy.”