A SCHEME offering free swimming and lessons to under 16s and over 60s has been launched by Wychavon District Council, writes Niamh Cassidy. The move has been funded by using £5million from the We Are Wychavon Support Fund. It is designed to reduce the cost of people keeping active whilst improving access to safe, supervised swimming pools. Coun Richard Morris, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “Swimming is one of the few activities that can benefit people throughout every stage of life. Nigel Grundy, Wychavon Leisure’s managing director said: “We’re delighted to be working with Wychavon district council to make swimming more accessible for local residents.