Swimmers encouraged to complete council’s budget consultation survey by Sunday
Due to years of austerity and the ongoing social care crisis, councils across the country are faced with heartrending decisions over which services to cut.
The City of Wolverhampton Council is consulting the public on specific savings proposals, one of which is ‘rationalisation of leisure centres’ – with swimming pools noted as especially expensive to run.
Sadly, hardly anyone I’ve spoken to knows about the consultation (which closes on Sunday, 12 January) or that this offers a chance to give their views – there’s space in Question 6 to explain in your own words what’s most important to you. You can find the survey on the council homepage wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Personally, access to a swimming pool is crucial for me. Arthritis limits the types of exercise I can do, and swimming is the best. It’s good for mental health, heart, brain, weight management, bone density, muscles and joints. Being lifted by the water puts less stress on the parts that hurt, meaning we can do more. In contrast, inactivity is linked with heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia and falls – placing a huge burden on the NHS and social care system (part of which is funded by the council).
At Central Baths I see many older people and others with mobility issues who, like myself, rely on swimming and water-based exercise to stay fit and live happy, independent lives. I see adults and children learning to swim – a vital skill. I see people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds meeting up with their friends in a warm, bright, safe space. I see families enjoying the water together. I am so proud to live in a city whose council provides free swimming for children! The country is experiencing a mental health epidemic, especially among young people, and swimming has proven benefits for mental health.
Although I don’t swim competitively, I admire the work of Wolverhampton and Bilston Swimming Clubs, based at WV Active Central and Bert Williams respectively. As a popular host for West Midlands short-course galas, Central boosts Wolverhampton’s economy and reputation, making it a swimming destination we can be proud of.
I understand that Wolverhampton Council is faced with painful financial decisions due to years of Government funding cuts, and desperately needs to save money. However, evidence shows that reducing access to swimming would be a false economy: swimming.org/swimengland/value-of-swimming - please have your say.
