There is good news for swimmers in Great Yarmouth - as at the eleventh hour the Council has been able to offer free swimming in the Borough thanks to extra funding becoming available.

Joint working with NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney has seen the PCT offer to assist funding over the two-year life span of the Government project, helping the Council to reverse a decision it made last week based on finance fears for the future.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council was concerned that if it took advantage of Government funding of £35,000 to provide free swimming for over-60s it would not cover the full amount required.

The agreement with the PCT meant the Council was able to meet the Government’s September 15 deadline to accept the funding. “We work closely with the local NHS on several projects,” said Councillor Graham Plant, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Tourism. “This funding means that not only are we in a position to give over-60s access to free swimming, we understand that the PCT is hoping to extend it to other client groups as well.”

Lyn Blizzard, health improvement lead for NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, added: “We work successfully with the borough councils and other agenciesin the Great Yarmouth and Waveney areas on a range of health improvement initiatives, including the exercise referral scheme, MEND programme (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It!) and Walking for Health.

“We are really pleased that those living in both areas will benefit from this scheme. Improving overall public health is part of our Local Sustainable Communities Strategies for both Great Yarmouth and Waveney, so we welcome any initiative that encourages physical activity for health benefits.”

“This is excellent news said Environmental Services Manager Simon Mutten. “The PCT, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust will be working together to maximise the benefits to the residents of the borough.”

The free swims initiative is part of a Choosing Health drive within the Government’s Health Improvement Strategy to increase participation in sport.

Having met the Government’s deadline and accepted its funding, the Council now has another month to see if under-16s can also be included in the scheme; this will be discussed in Cabinet later this month.

For further information contact Environmental Services Manager Simon Mutten on 01493 846449, or for the PCT - Melanie Willis, Geronimo Communications on 01284 768935, or Melanie.willis@geronimocommunications.com.