Olympic Year 2012- Keeping Wiltshire Healthy

Published on Thursday 16th February 2012

In 2011, we challenged Wiltshire Council to take action on the plans to make Wiltshire the healthiest county inEngland. Wiltshire Lib Dems identified free swimming for young people and older people as a great way to boost health and fitness. At the the time, the Conservative Group threw out our proposals.

This year we are delighted that that Wiltshire Council has announced that free swimming for under-16’s will be introduced during school holidays. A good start, but not enough. We have again identified the money available to make free swimming a reality for under 16s and over-60s, without exception. 

Unfortunately, since the last Budget, Wiltshire Council have closed leisure centres on Bank Holidays. The Lib Dems are proposing to reverse this cut to frontline services, and ensure Wiltshire’s facilities are available, at the times when people need them.

Providing a means of encouraging take-up of regular exercise at a young age, and for the elderly, will reap savings for many years to come. We’re challenging the Council to go further, and enact the full Lib Dem proposals. 

Our increased funding will:

• Open leisure centres on bank holidays
• Provide free swimming for all those aged under 16
• Provide free swimming for all those aged over 60
• Be available for Wiltshire residents only
• Take real action towards helping make Wiltshire one of the healthiest counties in the United Kingdom

Our Proposed Amendments

£0.505m annually to re-introduce free swimming for under-16s and over-60s; As part of the Olympic preparations, and to meet Wiltshire Area Board commitments in the 2014 Leading by Example initiative. This investment emphasises the importance of health in a good quality of life in Wiltshire.

£0.115m annually to re-introduce bank holiday opening for Leisure Centres. This investment ensures all people in Wiltshire have access to the facilities that allow them to stay healthy.