Another blow for Norwich Swimmers (Norwich Liberal Democrats Online)

Another blow for Norwich Swimmers

September 30, 2008 10:00 AM

Swimmers in Norwich have received another blow with the confirmation that the UEA Sportspark has withdrawn from the City Council's Go4Less scheme. The news comes just days after it was revealed that the City Council would not be applying to the government's scheme allowing free swimming for the under 16s and over 60s.

The Norwich Liberal Democrats will raise the issue at next week's full council meeting. Eaton Ward Councillor Rosalind Wright commented:

"This is a double blow for the people of Norwich. Firstly, the government's much publicised free swimming scheme is now unlikely to be coming to the city. Secondly, the Sportspark has withdrawn from the Go4Less scheme. This now leaves just one pool in the City for people to use their Go4Less Card. Whilst Riverside is a popular facility, it is not convenient for many on the other side of the City. It is disappointing that many with easy access to the UEA Sportspark will be denied the opportunity to swim for less. Swimming is a wonderful activity for all ages and all abilities. At a time when we should be encouraging sports and exercise it seems to be getting harder and more expensive for people to participate. Influence and resources must be used to turn around this situation."

She continued:

"In the summer the Labour government promised free swimming for old and young but a failure to fund that scheme means it probably won't happen in Norwich. In May the local Labour Party promised to build two new swimming pools but since the election we have heard nothing. The people of Norwich were promised a new era for swimming but the situation seems to getting worse not better."

Notes:

1) Earlier this month it was revealed that due to funding concerns Norwich City Council would not be applying for the government's free swimming sessions for under 16s and over 60s. The City Council was only offered a grant of £35,000 from the government to fund the scheme, less than some other authorities. The Council was concerned that if they applied for free places and were successful the grant would not cover the amount of people using the free facility - leaving the council out of pocket. The Council has written to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport asking for more funding to be made available.

2) Recently it has been revealed that the Sportspark has decided to discontinue accepting the Council's Go4less card. The Sportspark have voluntarily accepted it for a limited number of activities at its own expense but have now decided not to continue this concession. The Go4Less card is a free sport and leisure discount card which gives up to 50 per cent off at council facilities and various sports and leisure attraction. It is available to full time students, those on benefits and over 60s.

3). The Liberal Democrat Group will ask the following question at a full meeting of Norwich City Council next Tuesday at 7:30pm in City Hall:

"In view of the decision by UEA to withdraw from the Council's Go4Less scheme and the announcement that due to funding issues the City Council will not be applying for the government's 'free swimming for the over 60s and under 16s' scheme. Could the Executive Member please indicate how the Council will reassure Norwich residents, workers and visitors that it is serious about its commitment to widening access to sport and how it will signal our displeasure to the government that it is letting down local people by refusing to fully fund the free swimming scheme?"

For more information on the Go4Less scheme go here: http://www.norwich.gov.uk/webapps/atoz/service_page.asp?id=1096

and for information on the free swimming for under 16s scheme go here: http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/search/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&itemid=NOED13%20Sep%202008%2011:19:09:303&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=search

Norwich Liberal Democrats Online