YOUNG and disabled swimmers in Dorchester could be granted a stay of execution for a free swimming scheme.

The coalition Government has called time on a free swimming concession for under-16s and over-65s that was introduced by the previous Labour regime.

Funding for the initiative, which was initially guaranteed until March next year, will come to an end at the end of this month but West Dorset District Council could extend the scheme for over the summer holidays.

A report that will go before the council’s executive committee recommends postponing the end date of the scheme until September 5 in order to accommodate the school holidays.

The pool will then revert back to its previous policy of free entrance to children under four as well as concessionary rates for under-16s and over-65s.

The report also recommends carrying free swimming for the disabled at the Dorchester pool until March 31, 2011.

Figures in the report show that a total of 33,698 free swims were taken at the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre in the first year the initiative was introduced.

The introduction of free swimming resulted in the number of people swimming at the pool increased by 43 per cent. West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin said the Government’s decision to scrap the free swimming initiative was not an easy one but was necessary in the economic climate.

He welcomed any move that would extend the scheme through the summer. He said: “It would be very good news if it is able to be carried on for a period.”

The recommendations will be put before the council’s executive committee on Tuesday, July 20.