North Devon free swimming scheme to end

Free swimming sessions for people aged 60 or over in the North Devon Council area are to end. From August 1, normal charges will apply at the Barnstaple Leisure Centre and Ilfracombe Swimming Pool. The government announced it was to stop funding this ac

Free swimming sessions for people aged 60 or over in the North Devon Council area are to end.

From August 1, normal charges will apply at the Barnstaple Leisure Centre and Ilfracombe Swimming Pool.

The government announced it was to stop funding this activity due to the current financial situation.

Councillor Dick Jones, Lead Member for Community and Leisure at North Devon Council, says: "It is with regret that we will no longer be able to offer this scheme to members of the public. I hope that it will not prevent anybody from continuing with the sport which is such a good way of keeping fit."

Since the beginning of April, 8,749 free swims have been taken between the two swimming pools.