Free swimming on the way?

vaio

Yep and the funding stops after the Olympics

£60m for pool refurbishment sounds nice, it works out at less than £5k per pool, add in the admin costs and it might just pay for a lick of paint in the reception area.

All in all, I think it’s more smoke and mirrors designed to distract attention away from the spiralling costs of 2012 which is only going to benefit big business and the egos of the politicians involved.

Tigsteroonie

NB - as sport is a "devolved" issue, the offer of freebie swimming is only for England.

I believe Wales already offer this (sorry if I'm wrong), but Scotland and Northern Ireland, it is up to our local governments.

vivmagb

I would presume that all the over 60's that already go swimming can afford to pay, I would like my 'share' of the 80 million that it is going to cost to be given to the cancer victims whose health authority can't or won't fund their treatment. When people are dying of cancer through lack of funds to pay for their treatment I think this is an absolutely disgusting disgrace!

Errata

Viv, I'm in complete agreement with you, thank you for pointing out that this government is incapable of joined up thinking.

Poppycat

I never understand the sheer waste of money on Olympics.

Not a big fan of sport, however I would rather money went on improving local amenities like pools etc than spending all that money on the Olympics which benefit very few compared with improving facilities locally

mk_wotsit

I've no desire to wallow in a chlorine smelling, freezing cold, floaty hair & elasoplast filled British swimming pool even if it is free ... and I love getting things for free!!!!
I don't think people will go once the novelty has worn off!

[Deleted User]

mk that is exactly the reason why I never go swimming and why my dh starts asthma wheezing in a pool. Yuk swimming in a soup of chemicals and bodily nasties. No way, no thanks