HOUNSLOW Council is fighting to reintroduce free swimming for the over 60's until March 2011.
The authority has made the pledge after central Government axed the scheme across the country.
The end of free swimming for the over 60's has come as a great disappointment to thousands of residents across the borough, including Patricia Tovill, 60, of Armytage Road in Heston.
The householder has been swimming three times a week since her milestone birthday in January, to relieve the aches and pains of a muscular condition she suffers from. She was horrified to learn that she and thousands of others like her across the country will no longer be able to swim for free.
But Hounslow Council has pledged to try and restart the offer until it officially ends in March next year.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Mrs Tovill said: "I was always going up there during early morning sessions on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, it was great. I have been using the pool for health reasons because it makes me feel so much better. I doubt I will be able to go three times a week now because it does cost a fair amount to go."
Mrs Tovill suffers from bursitis in her shoulder, and has also had an operation on her knee. She said she knew of many over 60's using the pool to relieve the pain of a range of similar conditions.
Mrs Tovill added: "I wasn't surprised when I found out really, we are all holding our breath over a lot of things."
