A REDUCTION in funding from the Welsh Government has led to changes in Conwy Council's free swimming scheme.

At present, people aged over 60, living in Wales, can swim at any of Conwy's swimming pools - Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Abergele and Llanrwst - free of charge during public sessions and at certain times during school holidays.

The centres also offer free swimming for under 16's during school holidays at specific times.

From Monday, November 4, only one free swim session will be offered per week for people aged over 60.

Free splash sessions for under 16's will be offered at certain times.

The changes follow a review of the free swimming initiative across Wales by the Welsh Government and Sport Wales. As a result, the council will only receive half the amount of funding, prompting the above changes.

Cllr Louise Emery, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Leisure said: "Swimming can have a number of health benefits for individuals and communities, and our aim is to continue to make swimming accessible.”

“The free swimming initiative has given many Conwy residents the opportunity to access our swimming pools which, for some, may have not been possible without the scheme.

"We’re working with the staff at our swimming pools to minimise the impact of these national changes.”

The changes are outlined below:

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