Liberal Democrat Councillors have prevented the ruling Conservative group from scrapping the free swimming initiative at all the council run leisure centres in the New Forest District.

The Tory Cabinet Member for Leisure, Cllr Di Brooks, had decided to scrap the scheme following a government announcement that the annual subsidy to cover the cost, some £110,000, would cease. The decision would have meant that under 17’s and over 60’s would be charged once again for swimming.

In an unusual move, Councillor David Harrison, the Liberal Democrat opposition spokesman for Leisure has “Called-In” the decision. This effectively means it cannot be implemented until a formal review of the decision has taken place involving other members of the council.

Cllr. Harrison says “I think that Cllr Brooks has made an unnecessary, knee jerk reaction to the news from the government. It is possible to save the free swimming for some of the time by finding money from elsewhere in council budgets or even commercial sponsorship. At the very least, I’m hoping my move will mean free swimming for the under 16’s during the school summer holidays”.

Councillor Harrison has been supported by Councillor Maureen Robinson, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat group. Cllr. Robinson says “Since free swimming was introduced the number of swims has increased by about 20% and had other important spin-offs, including greater usage of other council run sporting facilities and improved public health. I’m pleased the conservatives will be forced to look at this again”.