COUNCIL chiefs are reconsidering a move to pull the plug on free-swimming sessions for the over 60s.

The rethink comes after a borough-wide 'grey' protest at the proposal was highlighted in Messenger last week.

The proposals mean pensioners would be charged 50p for every swim, and many of them take a daily dip.

Council leader Susan Fildes agreed to reconsider the charges after she met a delegation led by Stretford and Urmston MP Bev Hughes.

Campaigners Dave Longton, Hilda Laffey, and Bert Stewart accompanied the MP to explain that, for frequent swimmers like themselves, the charges would mean forking out £175 a year.

Ms Hughes said: "Councillor Fildes listened and agreed to look again at whether there was a way to keep the current pass that allows free off-peak swimming and gym entry for senior citizens. She accepted that this would mean the council finding the money to pay for it."

Mr Longton - who organised a petition at Urmston Leisure Centre that has been signed by 530 people - added: "We are pleased that the council leader is going to look at these charges again now that she understands the impact on many pensioners. However, we are very disappointed that she would not suspend the new charges and stop them coming in on April 1. We told her very clearly that if people do pay the charges, it's not because we accept them, it's because we are trusting her now to get rid of them as soon as possible."

Cllr Fildes said: "Beverley Hughes and I met recently to discuss the issue of swimming charges. In what was meant to be a practical discussion and not a platform for political gain, I was keen to and will resolve the situation for these residents. Although it is the leisure trust and not TMBC who set the charges, we will work together to find a solution."