Monday, 17th July 2017
Every primary school pupil in Pendle will once again receive free swimming during the Summer holidays.
All 5-11-year-olds in Nelson, Brierfield, Barrowford, Barnoldswick, Earby, Kelbrook, Salterforth and Colne are entitled to free swimming thanks to funding from Lancashire County Council’s Neighbourhood Well-being Initiative Fund.
During all school holidays this year, all Pendle primary school children can enjoy a daily 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.
This was very well received, with hundreds of children taking up the offer to swim for free, during the Easter and May Half Term holidays.
Chief Executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, Alison Goode, said: “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.”
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.”