Crow Opinion: Paying the cost
IT seems a shame that FREE swimming sessions for the over-60s and under-16s will not be on offer. But North Herts District Council is probably quite right to protect its budget – and, as it said, look for other initiatives. These may include its own plans
IT seems a shame that FREE swimming sessions for the over-60s and under-16s will not be on offer.
But North Herts District Council is probably quite right to protect its budget - and, as it said, look for other initiatives.
These may include its own plans to introduce such swimming sessions in the future.
After all, swimming is the most popular participation activity for the over-60s, according to the Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
You may also want to watch:
And at least 39 per cent of 11 to 16-year-olds participate in swimming in and out of school at least once a month.
But although the Government has to be applauded in encouraging this kind of activity, it does cause problems when a grant of such a pittance is available.
Most Read
- 1 Lorry driver's dismay as 'booming' station announcements keep him awake after night work
- 2 Young archaeologist Jake's delight at historic heath find
- 3 Adopt a street and keep it clean by joining Royston Wombles scheme
- 4 Family remembers teacher Frank who taught many how to swim
- 5 Crews tackle fires in residential street and industrial area
- 6 Royston Cricket Club gearing up for a very busy season
- 7 Rail passengers warned of three-day closure at London King's Cross station
- 8 Arts Society's members' exhibition set to be 'biggest online show yet'
- 9 New headteacher appointed for King James Academy Royston
- 10 Lorry driver jailed for causing fatal A505 crash
It is once again the same old story of Whitehall providing the ideas - but then expecting councils and the community to pay in the long run.
Until power is wrested away from Government, then local authorities such as ours will always be faced with a dilemma.
