FREE swimming for the over 60s and a freeze on leisure prices could be introduced in April at East Lindsey District Council owned facilities.

From April, people aged 60 and over will be able to swim free of charge at council run leisure centres thanks to funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and an agreement with NHS Lincolnshire, which is keen to support the council in improving health in the district.

It is expected that the scheme will be extended further in the not too distant future to include under 16s.

In addition to this, leisure centre prices look set to remain largely unchanged during the next year.

The council's Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Coun Adam Grist said: "The council promised that it would do all it can to help families through the current financial turmoil and free swimming for over 60s and a freeze in leisure charges will benefit many of our residents.

"We have worked hard to make savings so we can continue to provide high quality services at a cost effective price to our customers. I hope as well as supporting our current users this decision will also encourage new customer to visit their local leisure centre."

Coun Grist has approved the freeze on leisure charges which have been built into the council's budget proposals which will be presented for approval by full council at its meeting on March 4.

Those wanting to get fit in East Lindsey can take advantage of a month's free membership if they sign up for a year's membership at a council-run fitness centre this month.

There are a range of different membership packages and as well as entitling you free use of the fitness suites at the leisure centres in Louth, Horncastle, Skegness and Mablethorpe, you can also have unlimited use of the swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms (where available) as well as a reduced rate on other special sessions.

You can also receive expert advice from the council's fitness advisors at each suite.

For further information, contact your local Lifestyle Fitness Suite or pop in for an informal chat.

Louth Swimming Pool can be contacted on (01507) 604738 or e-mail louthpool@e-lindsey.gov.uk and Horncastle swimming pool (01507) 522489 or e-mail horncastlepool@e-lindsey.gov.uk

Free swimming: Over 60s in East Lindsey will be able to swim for free from April.