Tories see sense on swimming

Wiltshire Liberal Democrats have welcomed the part-implementation of their policy to give free swimming to young people. The Conservative administration on Wiltshire Council announced yesterday plans to give free swimming to under-16's during the school holidays at Easter and during the summer, periods covered by a Liberal Democrat Budget Amendment which the Tories voted down just under a year ago.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wiltshire Council Jon Hubbard has challenged the administration to go further and re-open the leisure centres on bank holidays and offer the free swimming all year round.

"We're delighted that months after we proposed free swimming, the Conservatives are beginning to move on the issue. In this Olympic year, we must make it easy for people in Wiltshire to stay healthy and fit.

"At the Annual Budget Meeting on Feb 28th we will be bringing proposals to council that demand the Council spends less on spin and free council magazines, and more on front-line services to the public.

"We have had our proposals tested and approved as financially sound by Wiltshire Council's own officers. Wiltshire can afford this. It's time for the Conservatives to put health and fitness at the front of their agenda."