CONSISTENCY across all Ceredigion’s swimming pools has been highlighted during discussions on funding for free access for older and younger people.

Cllr Keith Evans said that it could be difficult for a non-council pool such as Llandysul to maintain the same access as council-run facilities at a meeting of the healthier communities overview and scrutiny committee on Wednesday (January 22).

“The rate payers of the county are already maintaining two to three pools while the others have to be run more commercially,” said Cllr Evans.

He raised concerns about “favouritism” with council pools faring better than the other sites.

Corporate lead officer for lifelong learning and culture Elen James said: “I don’t think we have shown any favouritism to one pool or another, meetings were held with all pools.”

Welsh Government funding from Sports Wales is to halve across the country from £3.25million to £1.5million with Ceredigion’s share reducing to £33,975 from £45,300, for the coming year.

The committee were told that an additional £15,100 in capital grants has also been received and will be shared between Ceredigion’s five swimming pools.

Tregaron swimming pool is currently closed.

Free swimming will be maintained with over-60s having one set day a week at each pool with free sessions.

There is also a subsidised annual rate that offers over 60s unlimited access.

For under 16s there is one two hour session that is free, every weekend, with two extra in the summer holidays and one extra during half term and Easter holidays.

A minimum of one session per week for disability swimming is included.

There is also a junior membership scheme which has increased in popularity – with nearly 250 members – which gives unlimited access to swimming, the fitness suite, fitness classes and soft play area for £10 a month.

Children enrolled in term time lessons are offered free swimming while school lessons are funded separately.