Are you an over 60 Bedlingtonian? The government’s swim4life initiative now grants you free admittance to local authority swiming facilities right up until the end of March 2011.

Northumberland Councillor Isabel Hunter, the executive member for culture, says: “We would have very much liked to offer free swimming for under 16s too, but unfortunately it has not been possible because the grant from Government would not cover the costs.”

It is universally accepted that swimming is the best form of exercise. Because, whilst it uses every muscle in your body, the frame is fully supported by the water, and cushioned from the rapid stresses associated with pursuits like jogging. Several sources recommend a minimum of three hours swimming a week to maintain fitness.

Over 60’s in the town will remember – to a person – the golden days when Bedlington had its own swiming baths at Humford. A time when they didn’t need to travel to Ashington, Blyth, Cramlington or Morpeth to swim.

We all live in hope that the brand new local authority will give the town a fair slice of its leisure budget. Maybe some “positive discrimination” is now in order to redress the injustices and resentment felt in the town for decades of a shotgun-marriage with Ashington? Plans and promises we’ve had aplenty, but Ms Hunter: show us the real facilities, you know we’re worth it!