BRIGG COUNCILLORS PRAISE POPULAR FREE SWIMMING SESSIONS

The success of local free swimming sessions has been praised and welcomed by councillors from the Brigg & Wolds Ward.
Hundreds of youngsters have taken advantage of free swimming across the six pools in North Lincolnshire, including Ancholme Leisure Centre's at Scawby Brook near Brigg, as part of the authority's Summer Daze programme.
And there's still plenty of time for local youngsters to enjoy more free dips - the closing date being September 4.

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Almost 3,000 sessions have happened as children from across the area have been swimming for free at the council’s leisure centres in Brigg, Crowle, Barton-upon-Humber, the two Scunthorpe pools at the Pods and Riddings and at Epworth Swimming Pool.
The inflation busting programme makes the sessions available for all under 16s for the whole six-week summer holiday.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s been brilliant to hear just how many young people have taken advantage of the free swimming sessions – it’s not the first time we’ve done it and it certainly won’t be the last.
“These sessions really help hard-working parents keep their children occupied in a safe environment.”
The sessions continue to take place at The Pods in Scunthorpe, Ancholme Leisure Centre in Brigg, Axholme North Leisure Centre in Crowle, Baysgarth Community Hub in Barton-upon-Humber, Riddings Community Hub in Scunthorpe and at Epworth Swimming Pool until Sunday, 4 September.
Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for Safer, Stronger, Communities – Rural, said: “Swimming is a really important life skill and it is also a really good way for children to stay active, keeping them fit and healthy while they have lots of fun too.
“There has already been loads of children take advantage of this amazing offer and I am sure many more will for the last couple of weeks of the summer holidays.”
The Summer Daze free swim sessions are part of the NL Active summer holiday activity programme that also includes discounted 3G football and racket sports, junior gym classes, badminton coaching, and other pool activities such as snorkelling, sea scooters, mermaid / merman training, pool inflatable and funsplash sessions, and crash course swimming lessons.
You can find out more about all the NL Active summer holidays activities including the holiday timetable on our website.
Young people across North Lincolnshire can also still get involved in the Fuelled activity programme – which returned bigger and better than ever this year.
Since launching the scheme with Government cash in April 2021, the council has worked with community groups to enable thousands of children, many from low-income families to join boredom-busting activities.
This summer there has been more events to enjoy than ever before, with exciting new activities including motocross featuring alongside popular favourites like arts and crafts and sports camps.
Visit the Fuelled page on our website to find out more.

N.F. ADDS: During the latest Brigg Town Council meeting, Coun Waltham suggested North Lincolnshire's free summer holiday swimming sessions were unique among UK local authorities across the country.

PICTURED: Coun Carl Sherwood (left) and Coun Waltham (right) are seen above supporting the free swimming sessions made available at Ancholme Leisure Centre in 2018. Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council.