A campaign to get more people in Preston swimming and using the city’s leisure centres has been extended for an additional 12 days.
In collaboration with Greenwich Leisure Limited who operate Preston’s leisure centres, the city council recently invested £95,000 to support the delivery of the campaign as part of its cost of living measures.
Since launching the programme last Autumn, adults and children at West View and Fulwood Leisure Centre have taken part in free public swimming sessions.
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Cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Labour-controlled Preston City Council, councillor Zafar Coupland, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many residents embracing the free swimming offer.
“Swimming is a vital way to stay active, support wellbeing and connect with others, and the level of demand shows just how much this initiative is valued across our communities.
“Our partnership with GLL is helping ensure that everyone, regardless of age, ability or financial circumstances, has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being in the water.”
The scheme was open to under 18s, adults receiving income support, parents on maternity or paternity leave, and senior citizens, and has now been extended until 12 April.
More than 120 Preston children who receive free school meals have enrolled on fully-funded swimming lessons.
And more than 1,100 people across the age spectrum in the groups who qualify for the free public swimming sessions have taken up the offer.
Alongside the free swimming sessions a new resident discount card has been launched by GLL which offers 20 per cent discounts on swimming, fitness classes, gym sessions and hot drinks at both leisure centres. GLL say 1,300 people have signed up for the new discount card scheme since launch.
GLL’s Preston partnership manager, Michael Manley, said: “We have been astonished by the renewed enthusiasm for swimming from Preston’s residents.
“These schemes are a brilliant example of how local people, our partners and the Council can work in partnership to make a real difference to people’s lives.”
“We have seen a 30 per cent increase in footfall to Fulwood and West View Leisure Centres since these schemes were launched.
“Local people have proven they care about their health and wellbeing and have inspired us to work even harder to ensure we keep providing accessible, inclusive and high-quality swimming and leisure facilities in the city for years to come.”
Details of the free swim sessions by qualifying age or criteria are on the GLL website.
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