WENDY URGES FREE SWIMMING FOR YOUNGSTERS OVER HOLIDAYS

Local Labour MSP Wendy Alexander is backing a campaign calling on Renfrewshire council to give young people living in the area free access to council swimming pools throughout the holidays.

The Paisley North MSP is making the call after learning that neighbouring Glasgow and Inverclyde councils give youngsters in their areas free year-round access to council swimming pools.

A national campaign organised by Scottish Labour at Holyrood is calling on the Scottish Government to fund a similar scheme throughout Scotland, giving free access during school holidays.

Speaking about the campaign, Wendy Alexander MSP said:

“It is really important that we encourage young people to adopt healthier lifestyles and swimming is a great activity. Glasgow and Inverclyde Councils are already giving young people free access to their pools all year round.

“I want Renfrewshire Council to consider a similar scheme. Renfrewshire Council is an SNP controlled council and Alex Salmond promised in his party’s manifesto to give youngsters in Scotland free access to council pools.

“I would like to see Renfrewshire Council make a special effort to keep the SNP’s promise and ensure that children have free access to council swimming pools, even it is just for the Christmas holidays while children are off school.”