THERE are some interesting messages from Councillor Doug Dew, quoted in the article Council vetoes free swimming for youngsters (October 29) covering HDC s policy decisions regarding the allowance of free swimming for over 60s and not to accept fundin
THERE are some interesting messages from Councillor Doug Dew, quoted in the article "Council vetoes free swimming for youngsters" (October 29) covering HDC's policy decisions regarding the allowance of "free" swimming for over 60s and not to accept funding for under 17s.
Surely the two groups are already allocated different access times, so the excuse that more "non-paying" young swimmers would frighten the elderly doesn't make sense.
Turning down a grant of £86,000 of our national tax revenue to save the "huge gap" of £20,000 (less the £4,500 profit made from the over 60s subsidy) to publicly fund a healthy activity for children regardless of their circumstances seems mean-spirited to say the least.
Cllr Dew also revealingly tells us that the funding may disappear after a General Election. As a Tory who presumably anticipates victory, is he telling us that "free" swimming for any group could well disappear?
TONY DUTTON
Weir Road
Hemingford Grey
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here