Leicester City Council has decided to extend the free swimming scheme for under 16s to include this year’s school summer holiday, despite central Government cutting the initiative’s funding.

The Government recently announced it was cutting the funding it had allocated for the free swims scheme across the country, which would see an end to the initiative just short of the summer holidays.

As a result, a decision has been made to maintain the provision for under 16’s during August, while the schools are on holiday. This will cost the authority £50,000.

Councillor Rob Wann, cabinet lead for leisure and culture, explained the decision.

“The Government cuts were a big blow to what has been a highly successful scheme and it seemed a real shame that the cuts will come just shy of the school summer holidays. With that in mind, we decided to extend the scheme during August.

“It was thought that in the current climate, with so many people suffering, it would be a real shame for young people to be hit – not to mention at a time when they are at a loose end and need activities to keep them occupied.”

For more information on free swims in Leicester visit www.leicester.gov.uk/freeswims.