News

More Access to Leisure and Learning

Staying active in Poole is getting easier with the expansion of Borough of Poole's popular discount scheme.

Access to Leisure and Learning (ATL&L) offers residents on a low income, disabled or in full-time education the opportunity to take part in leisure and sporting activities at a reduced rate.

The scheme has been extended further with an additional eight venues and activities for members to enjoy.

Residents living within the BH postcode area and in receipt of one of a number of benefits such as housing, council tax, incapacity benefits or carers allowance, are able to join the popular scheme.

The scheme, now in its eleventh year, already includes several leisure centres and services in and around Poole. It has now been extended to include Harbour Challenge Outdoor Education Centre , Poole Sailability , school holiday activities at Bournemouth University and fishing permits for Hatchpond Nature Reserve.

Branksome Chine Surf Lifesaving Club , Broadstone Cricket Club , Poole Athletic Club and Poole Netball Club, have also been added to the list of local sports clubs supporting the scheme.

Residents in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance can now join too.

Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Borough of Poole, said: "A recent survey confirmed the scheme is highly valued by members and we are delighted with its success. It is doing exactly what we intended, bringing the cost of leisure down to affordable levels so even more people can take part in and enjoy the many leisure and sporting activities on offer."

Carers, looked after children and foster families registered with Borough of Poole are also eligible to join and a range of memberships, including those for families, is available. A small annual fee is required costing between £2.10 to £4.20 per year.

Residential Homes, Day Centres and Special Schools can apply for group membership, which costs just £12.97 per year and allows up to 20 people to visit the venues.

More information and application forms are available from the ATL&L section, the Civic Centre, participating venues or by calling 01202 261306.