Waveney MP's delight at free swimming

WAVENEY MP Bob Blizzard has welcomed the news that the government's scheme for free swimming has already resulted in over 22,000 free swim sessions across the district.

WAVENEY MP Bob Blizzard has welcomed the news that the government's scheme for free swimming has already resulted in over 22,000 free swim sessions across the district.

Mr Blizzard said: 'I'm delighted to see so many people taking up this opportunity. Swimming is a great way to stay healthy - and as the success of this scheme for under-16s and over-60s shows, it's open to everyone, young or old. 'As a low-risk activity, it's very good for older people who might not get much other exercise, and as a coastal community, having strong swimmers around can save lives.'

The scheme started in April, and the government has made available �140m over two years for councils to provide free swimming for people under 16 or over 60.

As well as the scheme's running costs, Waveney was granted cash of some �1m for refurbishment and modernisation of the Water Lane leisure centre, in Lowestoft.