Fears voiced after charges rise at Bradford Council-run swimming pools

Following an increase in admission charges at the beginning of this month, an adult swim at Keighley leisure pool and other council baths now costs £6.45.

The price for juniors and seniors is £3.35.

Oakworth man Simon Pollard, who uses the Keighley pool three times a week, feels the increased charges will be counter productive for the council.

"The cost of going for a swim now will put off many families and individuals," says Mr Pollard, 68.

"With the cost-of-living situation as it is, a lot of people won't be able to afford it.

"I've seen people turn around and walk away when they've realised what the charges are.

"The council may want to increase its revenue from the pools, but if there are less swimmers using the facilities the income will drop. The decision doesn't make sense.

"Also, the local authority is very keen to promote health and wellbeing and the importance for people of keeping active. Yet it is making the use of facilities such as swimming pools beyond the reach of what a lot of people can afford."

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "We have undertaken the annual review of our fees and charges and prices for swimming have increased.

"Our charges remain similar to those of other local authorities in West Yorkshire.

"There are ways to save money if you swim regularly, for example by becoming a ClubActive member.

"The council has had to deal with a number of significant financial challenges, due mainly to a continued increase in demand, particularly for children’s and adult social care. These pressures are consuming an ever-greater proportion of the council’s resources.

"Like all councils, we have also been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and inflation. Added to the loss of £350 million of Government support since 2011-12, the need for some difficult decisions around the services that we provide and how they can be funded in such testing financial circumstances is unavoidable."