Pools Day across England - Lib Dem Fools' Day in Hull

As children and over-60s across England began enjoying free swimming from today (1 April) Hull North MP Diana Johnson expressed disappointment that people in Hull are missing out.

This follows the decision of Hull's Lib Dem Council to turn down a share of £140 million of funding on offer from the Labour Government.

Diana Johnson MP said: "It's shameful that Hull's Lib Dem Council has blocked free swimming for Hull - yet again showing their indifference to the health and well-being of Hull people.

"Why is it that four out of five local councils in England, covering over a thousand swimming pools, are offering free swimming from today for over-60s and under-16s - while Hull City Council sits on the sidelines?

"Instead, the Lib Dems even want to increase charges for local swimmers.

"The benefits of offering a fun, healthy leisure activity for free outweigh any cost, especially in these tough economic times. By turning down this Government support, Hull also misses out on further cash to improve swimming pools - at a time when our local pools need investment.

"The Lib Dems refuse to take part in free swimming because it's not fully funded by Whitehall claiming that they are £100,000 short of money. This is a bit rich from a Council that paid their Chief Executive £192,493, before any bonuses, in 2008/09 more than the Prime Minister!

"It's Pools Day across England - but in Hull it's Lib Dem Fools' Day."

Diana recently organised an online petition for free swimming in Hull through her website at www.dianajohnson.co.uk.