Elderly and young given discounts on sport and fitness activities (From Gazette Series)

Elderly and young given discounts on sport and fitness activities in Stroud district

9:30am Monday 6th February 2012 in Gloucestershire news By Liza-Jane Gillespie

SPORTS and fitness has been made cheaper for the elderly and the young in the district.

Stroud District Council has launched a district-wide scheme which will give people over the age of 60 or on benefits, 40 per cent off the price of a range of sport and fitness activities at all of its sports centres. Students and those aged 16 or under will also be able to benefit from the scheme.

Cllr Keith Pearson, cabinet member for regeneration for Stroud District Council, said: "This initiative will make it easier for more people to make the most of the sports facilities on offer.

"The benefits of regular exercise are well publicised, so if we can bring it within reach of more people it has to be a good thing. It’s the first time we have had such a scheme in place."

Those who qualify for the scheme will be able to take part in swimming, squash, badminton and tennis; fitness classes such as aerobics, circuit training and Zumba; and use the gym equipment at fitness suites.

Angela Gillingham, who manages a number of the council’s sports centres, added: "The discounted rates will allow people to exercise more often. It will mean that those eligible for the scheme will be able to attend three exercise sessions for less than the cost of two full price sessions."

The discount is available at Dursley Pool and Sports Centre, Wotton Sports Centre, Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stroud as well as Thomas Keble Sports Centre, Eastcombe and Maidenhill Sports and Dance Centre, Stonehouse.