Make a splash

Hertsmere Borough Council has teamed up with Hertsmere Leisure to offer free swimming for the two age groups, in The Venue swimming pool, in Elstree Way.

Last year, the council applied to be included in an £80 million Government free swimming initiative.

However, the authority pulled out when it discovered the cost of the service could spiral as it would be open to people from outside the borough.

At a full council meeting in January council leader Morris Bright said the council was working with Hertsmere Leisure, which runs the borough’s pools, to provide a service of its own.

Mr Bright said the original Government scheme was not fair to residents who would be paying for swimmers from outside the borough.

Councillor Brenda Batten, the borough council's leisure, culture and health portfolio holder, said: "This is a great opportunity for children and young people as well as those over 60 to live a healthy lifestyle without having to spend a penny.

"Swimming is a great form of exercise for young and old as it puts little stress on your body and works all the major muscles.

"Swimming regularly will help young people improve their fitness and reduce health risks such as heart attack, stroke and dementia for older people.

"The council has worked hard to secure this scheme for residents so we hope people will make good use of it."

Those wishing to participate will need to complete an application form and provide proof of age and residency to receive a swim card.

The offer is available at The Venue on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am-12pm and 4-6pm and Saturday from 1-4pm.

Participants will be asked to complete a short questionnaire in order to evaluate the success of the scheme.

The scheme will operate initially on a trial basis until September 30 when it will be reviewed and a decision made on its future.

Application forms are available from The Venue and the borough council website at hertsmere.gov.uk

For more details contact The Venue on 020 8386 9886.