YOUNG people will be able to make a splash for free in Royal Wootton Bassett over the half term holidays.

Children under the age of 16 can enjoy free swimming during all public swimming sessions at Lime Kiln Leisure Centre from Monday to February 15, thanks to an initiative from Wiltshire Council and NHS Wiltshire.

The pool, which closed after a fire in December 2010, also offered free sessions when it re-opened during the summer holidays last year.

DC Leisure area manager, Nick Moran, said: “We are very happy with the swimming attendances at the pool.

“Having free swimming sessions makes a huge difference, particularly when the pool first re-opened. We were inundated with juniors wanting to swim.

“It is a fantastic initiative by the council and NHS Wiltshire.”

The pool has been re-opened while a proposed state-of-the-art community campus is developed.

It was decided at the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board meeting in May last year to re-open the pool.

Repairs, which cost about £100,000, were also made to the changing rooms, plant room, heating and ventilation equipment and smoke damaged areas.

“Everything is back up and running, said Nick.

“The only thing that isn’t operational is the health suite, and there was never any intention of re-opening that.”

Children can enjoy free swimming during all public swimming sessions at Wiltshire Council and DC Leisure managed leisure centres in Wiltshire throughout the school holidays.

The free sessions have proved popular, with more than 100,000 taken since the initiative started.

It is one of a number of initiatives that the council is providing, in partnership with Wiltshire NHS, in order to encourage families and children to adopt healthier habits, and as a result improve their general health and wellbeing.

Under 16s will be able to access general, fun/features, inflatable and leisure swimming sessions for free.

They do not need to sign up to a membership package for the free swimming – however it will be the responsibility of the child to prove, if questioned, that they are under 16.

The free swim sessions do not include sessions such as aerobics, aqua natal, aqua tots, parent/toddler sessions or children’s swimming lessons.

For a timetable, visit www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk/centres/lime-kiln-leisure-centre/timetables