WESTERN - Youth Priced Out Of Leisure Facilities?

Western Ward Conservative candidate Halina Roberts has put youth facilities are the top of her agenda for the forthcoming elections.

"I have lived in Swindon all of my life, so I know just how important our leisure facilities are to both the local residents and the children."

"Leisure facilities such as The Link and The Oasis etc provide enjoyment, help promote healthy living, and help keep the yound occupied.  Having worked in the local magistrates court I know only too well the problems that could occur if teenagers were bored."

"Swindon Council offers some excellent facilities, but much needs to be done to make sure the service and pricing is fair for all the residents in Swindon.  I recently visited the main facilities and was horrified to see some of the charges.  The new Swindon Card allows certain groups to obtain varying levels of discount, but many groups miss out.  For example, if you are 16-18 and unemployed you are given the highest level of discount, yet if you are 16-18 and are still in education you are almost paying the full price.  I do not understand this at all, the 16-18 year olds in education simply can not afford these prices."

"The Council needs to carefully plan their prices to suit the market and needs of the residents.  In some cases it is also fair to say by dropping the prices, it would increase the numbers using the facilities which both improves healthy living, keeps people occupied, and will increase revenue to the Council as greater numbers pay to use the service.  At present, the cost of ice-skating before discount is far too expensive for 16-18 year olds in education."