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22 Jul 98

LEISURE SCEME FOR ALL GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Access to Leisure, the Borough of Poole's scheme to help people on a low income take part in leisure activities, continues to go from strength to strength.

Graham Gould, Project Development Manager said: "With nearly 2,000 members already signed up in the first eight months, Access to Leisure looks like being one of the country's most successful schemes.

"Our research shows that the scheme is doing exactly what we intended - it's enabling people on a low income to have a swim, use the fitness room or whatever else they want to do which previously they could just not afford."

Access to Leisure is open to anyone living in the BH postal code area who is in receipt of an eligible benefit. Membership costs just £1 a year for an adult, 50p for a child or £2.50 for a family and provides card holders with a 75% discount off the standard prices.

Cllr Sandra Moore, Vice-Chairman of the Culture & Leisure Committee, said: "This is a real success story and something that Poole can be proud of."

These sentiments are echoed by Access to Leisure members. Tina Robson from Upton, said: "I could only afford to swim once a week but now I visit the pool several times a week. Access to Leisure is brilliant."

Launched in November 1997, Access to Leisure originally gave members a discount off activities at the Ashdown and Kemp Welch leisure centres, the Dolphin swimming pool and the Waterfront Museum.

Now the Poole Park, Alexandra, Branksome and Wessex & Broadstone Bowling Clubs have also joined the scheme and are giving Access to Leisure members a 75% discount off both the season ticket charge and the hourly rate.

To join the scheme all you have to do is complete a simple application form, show proof of eligibility, provide a photograph and pay your annual membership fee.

Details of the scheme and/or an application form are available from Leisure Services tel. 261341, from the Civic Centre, the centres themselves or from local libraries, benefit offices and Job Centres.



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Graham Gould, Leisure Services: 01202 261311