Keighley pool

The scheme to allow under-16s to swim for free at all local authority-run pools in the district was introduced in April.

And Bradford Council figures for the first three months show it has been a resounding success. More than 12,600 youngsters took advantage of the scheme at Keighley.

It follows the Government’s own figures released last month, which show that more teenagers in the Bradford district have taken up free swimming sessions than anywhere else in the country. Government funding of £470,000 will help pay for free swimming provision for both under-16s and the over-60s for two years.

Bradford Council’s executive member for culture, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, has admitted it do not know where the money would come from to continue it.

She said: “It’s subsidised swimming that’s going to come out of ratepayers’ pockets. We won’t look to make a decision on whether there will be money in the budget until next year.

“But it will all be down to priorities. In order for swimming to be free, such a large amount of money is needed. It will no doubt mean something else has to give.”