SHAUN WOODWARD MP CALLS ON ST HELENS COUNCIL TO BID FOR SWIMMING MONEY

Monday 9th June 2008

Shaun Woodward MP welcomes Labour Government’s £140 million commitment to introduce free swimming for all

Rt. Hon. Shaun Woodward MP today welcomed the £140 million Government investment in free swimming.

Shaun said, “The Governments challenge fund will allow St Helens Council to extend free swimming for all over 60’s and under 16’s right across the Borough.

Friday’s announcement would mean that St Helens Council would be able to either develop or extend any offers already in place and allow free swimming for all people over 60 and the under 16’s.

Rt. Hon. Shaun Woodward MP continued, “I believe Labour is delivering for St Helens by making sure the funds are available for communities to introduce free swimming. Whether you are young or old swimming is something people can do as a family that is fun and also good for your health. I am calling on St Helens Council to make sure they bid for this money to ensure there is free swimming and to bid for additional money which is available to help rejuvenate existing pools.”

Today’s announcement marks the first stage in Labour’s aspiration for free swimming for everyone. This is of course a challenge, but in the run up to the Olympics in 2012 Labour wants everyone to have the opportunity to get fit and stay fit.

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. The swimming scheme is jointly funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Department of Health, Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

2. Swimming is one of the most popular activities with 17 percent of women and 12 percent of men swimming at least once a month. It is the second highest participation sport for 11-16’s, with 38% of them taking part and the most popular for over 60s, with seven percent taking part at least once a month.

3. The £140 million fund will be available to Local Authorities from 2009/10 for two years. Of that £80 million will be available as resource funding (essentially helping waive admission costs) and £60m will be available as a capital fund to help rejuvenate and maintain existing swimming pools.