Five local councils in Lincolnshire are asking for government cash to provide free swimming to either under 16s or over 60s in their districts. As part of the preparations for the London 2012 Olympics, the government is offering �140m of funding to local authorities for free swimming sessions. Lincoln, North Kesteven, Boston, South Kesteven and South Holland councils want to take up the offer. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport is coordinating for the scheme. Healthy sport West Lindsey Council has so far not commented on the scheme. Lincoln City Council said it wanted to link up with Yarborough Leisure Centre to provide the free sessions starting in April 2009. Councillors in East Lindsey are still considering what they will do as there have some concerns about covering all the costs of the programme. North Kesteven District council leader Marion Brighton said: "After finding out what residents want within their community as part of the Shape North Kesteven consultation, the council has listened to their comments and decided to submit an interest in offering the free swimming programme. "The programme will not only benefit those under 16 and over 60 by offering free swimming, but also by encouraging them to take part in this healthy sport to improve fitness and health levels." The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said 300 out of 354 local authorities across the UK were participating in the offer for over 60s. For the under 16s, 296 local authorities had expressed their interest in claiming their share of the fund.
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