Free swimming passes in Oxford face the axe

Free swimming passes for the over-60s could be scrapped.

Free swimming passes could be scrapped in Oxford as part of the government's cuts on public spending.

For the past year, people aged over 60 have been entitled to swim for free at council-run swimming pools in the city.

But the government has cut funding for the scheme, which was introduced across the country by the Labour government in 2009.

Councillors are set to decide on 30 June, whether to find more cash or ditch the scheme.

Council leader Bob Price said he hoped the council could find a way for it to continue, as it had proved popular.

He added: "It is good for health and encourages activity. It also ensures that swimming is taken up by a whole range of people right across the city."

He said the council was planning to continue free swimming for under-17s, introduced in 2006.