A REDUCTION in funding has led to cuts in Denbighshire County Council’s free swimming programme.

Since 2003, Denbighshire Leisure has received annual funding from Welsh Government to provide free swimming for people aged 60 plus during public sessions and aqua classes. There are also free splash sessions for under 16's at weekends and school holidays.

Following a review of the free initiative across Wales by the Welsh Government and Sport Wales, there will be a 25 per cent reduction in the level of funding received by Denbighshire Leisure for the current financial year.

There will be a 50 per cent reduction from April 2020.

As a result, the amount of free swimming activity is being reduce by leisure centres in the county.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “We have expressed our dissatisfaction in the strongest terms to Welsh Government and have done our best to negotiate a more favourable outcome, but to no avail.

"We have reviewed our free swimming programme and made every effort to ensure any funding to be received will continue to provide the maximum activity possible.Our revised programme for the remainder of the year will be delivered slightly differently by each centre. Free sessions will be clearly marked on centre timetables and staff will be happy to answer any questions customers may have.

“Over recent years, Denbighshire Leisure has been one of the few local authorities to invest heavily in its swimming provision and we have carried out a number of refurbishments on our pools and changing areas across the county.

“Once again, we can only reinforce how disappointed we are at this reduction in funding and the effect it has had on our programme.” We apologise for the short notice given for these changes; we have only just received confirmation of the funding, which has given us a very short window to inform our customers of the changes. However, please be assured Denbighshire Leisure will do its best to continue to invest in its facilities and deliver an excellent service to customers.”

From October 1, for people aged 60 plus, each leisure centre in Denbighshire will run one free Aqua Aerobics session each week. All other Aqua Aerobic sessions will be charged at the current rate of £4.80 per session for peak classes or £3 for off peak classes.

Each pool will also offer five hours of free swimming each week for over 60's.

Other designated sessions will be available at a reduced charge of £2.50 per session.

For under 16's, there will be a free family swim session at each pool during the weekend.

Children are free with a paying adult or free if swimming alone over the age of eight. Two free public swim sessions at each pool will be offered during the summer holidays.