I AM shocked and angry at the Lib Dems' refusal to fund free swimming places for all under 16s and over 60s.
This is a fantastic initiative, introduced by the Labour Government, which helps tackle childhood obesity and helps older people stay active .
Every Labour council in the country – and every council in South Yorkshire – are giving free swimming t
o young people and pensioners. Sheffield is getting a raw deal from the Lib Dems, who should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
Sylvia Dunkley's protest that the Government 'only' gave £370,000 to fund this scheme is totally ridiculous. What she didn't say was that the amount required by the council to make this facility universal is equivalent to 0.6% of the council's budget – about the same as the Lib Dems have spent so far this year on planting flowers!
What a difference to when Labour was in control of the city council and we provided free activities for every 8-13 year old in the city and introduced the free bus pass for older people. I look forward to the next set of local elections when the Lib Dems will have to face the consequences of this appalling decision.
Jack Scott, Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate, Sheffield HallamWhat do you think? Add your comments below.
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