Wandsworth aims to get residents moving with cheaper physical activities programme

By Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter

Wandsworth council is planning to offer discounted leisure centre memberships to students, improve playgrounds and investigate opening a new football pitch to get more residents active.

The local authority has revealed its plans after adopting a new leisure and sports strategy for the borough, which aims to break down barriers for people who find it more difficult to take part in physical activity.

The council has published its plans for the first year of the strategy, which will see it expand its ‘access for all’ scheme providing free and discounted gym and swimming sessions at leisure and sports centres in the borough.

The new offers, launching this summer, include discounted premium memberships at peak times for eligible adults and students at the venues – with the monthly cost halved from £43 to £21.50.

Under-18s who qualify for free school meals will also be entitled to peak memberships at the venues for £15 a month and casual activities for £2.50. Under-8s on free school meals will be able to access soft play areas at leisure centres for free.

At Tooting Bec Lido, the UK’s biggest open-air freshwater pool, 10 per cent of tickets will be free for eligible adults and some children.

The remaining children’s tickets will cost £2.50 each, while students will be entitled to £5 tickets. The council wants the pricing offer to be the ‘most generous and compassionate’ in the UK.

Pictured top: The revamped Tooting Bec Lido, which officially reopened on May 29 (Picture: Charlotte Lillywhite/LDRS)