Fleetwood youngsters set for free swimming after town council grant

There will soon be free swimming at the facility after the Town Council agreed to fund a subsidy until the end of March 2022.

At the moment, children of Fleetwood residents are able to enjoy these concessions during school holidays due to an existing deal struck between the Town Council and the YMCA, which runs the centre on behalf of owners Wyre Council.

But once Covid restrictions are fully lifted - expected to happen in the next few weeks - youngsters under 16 with an FY7 postcode will be able to enjoy free swimming during all the weekends and after-school hours as well.

The arrangement was confirmed after a grant of £13,500 to the YMCA was agreed by Town Council members at the latest meeting.

Coun Mary Stirzaker, vice chairman of Fleetwood Town Council, said: “It’s a win-win situation, because it will enable children to be able to afford to use the pool on a regular basis.

“Children who live by the sea should be able to swim and we wanted to make sure they could afford to make use of the facility in our town. It will also help to ensure the YMCA swimming pool at Fleetwood is given maximum use.”

The YMCA pool, owned by Wyre Council,was shut for more than a year due to the Covid lockdown and regular users feared for its future.

A campaign group was set up and councillors in the port also voiced concerns about plans to reopen Garstang but not Fleetwood.

However, Government funding allowed Wyre to reopen both pools in May.

Coun Lorraine Beavers added: “It’s important the pool in Fleetwood is well used and this grant should help.”

The funding has come from the Town Council reserves.

At the moment, outside of school holidays, it would cost children £3.80 each to swim and adults £5.80, and discount family deal of £12 for a family of two adults and two children.

When the new free sessions are brought in, youngsters must attend the first session with parents who will need to provide proof of residence in Fleetwood, by means of a utility bill.

The children will then be given a card they can use every time.

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