Bridgwater Forward condems the Con-Dem government for scrapping the scheme to encourage swimming among the elderly.
Members of protest group Bridgwater Forward reacted with surprise and anger to the news that the Tories on Taunton Deane Council have voted to scrap free swimming for under-16s and over -60s in council pools in Taunton and Wellington.

Taunton Deane councillors have blamed swimmers from Bridgwater & West Somerset for causing increased demand in Taunton and Wellington, after the closure of the Splash in Bridgwater. Said Bridgwater Forward Chair Sally Jones: “Of course Sedgemoor District Council are ultimately to blame for the irresponsible closure and demolition of the Splash. But why are Taunton Deane carrying out collective punishment of their young and elderly residents by ending free swimming for everyone? If, as is promised, a new pool is to be built in Bridgwater, why can’t Taunton Deane be neighbourly in the meantime and welcome temporary swimmers from outside their area? But in any case, the free swimming was introduced by the previous Labour Government, so, as tax-payers, we have all provided this subsidy.”

Bridgwater Forward condems the Con-Dem government for scrapping the scheme to encourage swimming among the elderly. Pensioners in Britain get the lowest pensions in Europe and schemes which encourage good health and mobility for the elderly are vital. Since the closure of Bridgwater’s Splash in 2009, concern has been expressed by local doctors over the adverse effects on elderly and disabled people who need the beneficial effects of swimming exercise.