Photo: Havenholidays, Flickr

Lewisham teenagers and pensioners will continue to swim for free in the borough following a decision by the Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock.

The Free Swim programme was a national scheme that was originally scrapped by the government in June 2010, although Sir Steve said the council would continue to fund the programme in Lewisham until this month. Now the Mayor has announced that the programme will continue over Easter and the summer months.

Sir Steve said: “I fully recognise that times are tough for people across Lewisham and especially for those on a low or fixed income. Older residents, parents and people with disabilities can rest assured that swimming in Lewisham’s four pools in Deptford, Downham, Ladywell and Sydenham is something they can continue to enjoy without having to worry about the cost.”

At present, any Lewisham resident who is 16 or under, or 60 and over, who would like to take up a free swim offer, will need to show a valid Lewisham library card. Non-residents using the borough’s swimming pools will need to pay the normal rate.

Malcolm Ball, from Lewisham’s Young Citizens Panel, said: ”We think it is great news that free swimming will be available again this Summer. It’s what we’ve been asking for because things do and places to go have always been important to Young People we talk to. Let’s hope that it continues to be a success.”