Monday, 13th March 2017
Every primary school pupil in Pendle is to receive free swimming during holiday times!
All 5-11-year-olds in Nelson, Brierfield, Barrowford, Barnoldswick, Earby, Kelbrook, Salterforth and Colne will be entitled to free swimming thanks to funding from Lancashire County Council’s Neighbourhood Well-being Initiative Fund.
Starting this Easter, all Pendle primary school children will be allowed daily access on week days during the holidays to a two hour pre-planned session at each of Pendle Leisure Trust’s pools – Pendle Wavelengths, Nelson; Pendle Leisure Centre, Colne and West Craven Sports Centre, Barnoldswick.
The holidays will include, Easter, May Half Term, Summer, October Half Term and next February Half Term. A total of 55 days.
Chief Executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, Alison Goode, said: “During the discussions with County Councillor and Nelson Town Councillor Azhar Ali, we decided to widen the offer to all Pendle primary schoolchildren and approached the other town councils for funding.
“I’m delighted to say thanks to cash contributions from some of Pendle’s town councils, plus Lancashire County Council’s Neighbourhood Well-being Initiative Fund, funding has been secured for 2017/18, starting this Easter.”
County Councillor Azhar Ali added: “As a County Councillor and Nelson Town Councillor, I am responsible for health and well-being and wanted to make sure children are able to be active during the school holidays.
“Following discussions with Pendle Leisure Trust and some town councils, I accepted their bids to provide free swimming for primary school pupils during the holidays.
“This is really important to get children confident in the water and get them active.”