Hundreds sign-up for free swimming

Buy photos » Councillors and residents celebrate the launch of free swimming. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3212004MMR. Order this picture at www.buyphotos247.com.

MORE than 500 people have signed-up to take advantage of free swimming Redditch in just two days.

Residents aged under 16 or over 60 have been able to sign up for the Redditch Borough Council scheme since Tuesday (August 14) ahead of its introduction on Monday (August 20).

Coun Luke Stephens, responsible for leisure and cultural services on the council, said this summer's Olympics could have encouraged the influx of people signing-up.

"We have been lucky with the timing coming just after London 2012 which has given everyone an extra push to take up sport," he said.

"There are also increased classes for public swimming during the summer holidays and we have held open days to encourage residents to sign up."

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