Concessionary deals have been annouced after free swimming for children and older people in Chorley’s leisure centres were axed.

The council-owned pools at All Seasons Leisure Centre and Brinscall will be offering new deals to replace free swimming, which ends on July 31.

Councillor Peter Goldsworthy, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “Although free swimming was popular in Chorley, all the evidence suggests it had been taken up by people who were already swimming and it wasn’t attracting lots of people to take up the sport.

“To encourage these people to continue swimming and keeping themselves fit and healthy our leisure centres will offer some fantastic new deals.

“Under 5s will still be able to swim for free and people aged 60+ will be able to swim for just £1 per session through the Passport to Leisure scheme.”

Other offers have been put together by Active Nation, who run the centres on behalf of Chorley Council. Brian Ratcliffe, Active Nation’s Commercial Manager at Chorley, said: “The new deals offer great value for money and mean people can enjoy the state of the art facilities to keep fit.

“The deals will also encourage people to use the gym or take part in exercise classes as well as going for a swim “We’re also introducing swimming lesson membership from just £15.99 per month.”

Free swimming, which was launched nationally in 2009 and funded by the Government, was aimed at getting more people taking part in exercise.

The announcement to remove the funding formed part of the government’s future spending plans, which aim to reduce the national deficit.

“Not only have we got new deals at our leisure centres we’ll still be providing free and low cost activities for children and people aged 50+ through our Get Up and Go and Active Generation schemes,” said Councillor Goldsworthy.

“For further information about swimming or activities at the leisure centres visit www.chorley.gov.uk/leisurecentres.”