Wokingham Lib-Dems furious that Tory Executive turned down Government money for free swimming for the over-60s

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 3rd Apr 2009

Government figures show that more than 80% of local authorities in England applied for and received government money for free swimming for the over-60s, but Wokingham Borough Council is one of the fewer than 20% who chose not to take the government grant.

Councillor Kay Gilder (Lib Dem councillor for Southlake ward) said, "I'm furious that the Wokingham Tories turned down this government money. They're forever moaning about how little we get from the government, but then they refuse to accept £39,000 for free swimming for the over-60s.

"It's crazy to turn down money, and it's unfair that our elderly people have to go without while our neighbours in Reading, Slough, Maidenhead and West Berkshire enjoy swimming at the government's expense.

"By turning down this money, the Tory Executive has also forfeited grant money to help refurbish our swimming pools. All our pools, especially Bulmershe Leisure Centre, would have benefited enormously from this. I cannot think why the Tories made such a stupid decision."