Monmouth Swimmers Group have compiled a petition with more than 250 signatures calling for free swimming for over 60s in half-term times.

The group handed over the names to county councillor Bob Hayward last Thursday (20th February) outside the Shire Hall.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has proposed to charge over 60s for swimming in half-term times in their budget for 2014/15.

If the proposal is accepted at the full MCC meeting tomorrow (27th February) then OAP swimmers will be charged £1.80 per swim.

The Monmouth Swimmers, some of whom swim five times a week, have described the proposal as "unreasonable".

Jennifer Robbins of the Monmouth Swimmers said: "A married couple swimming five times a week would pay £18. Most will not be able to afford it and will stop swimming."

Councillor Hayward is to propose an amendment to the budget proposal requesting that the council doesn't charge for swimming for OAPs in half-term times.