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Residents in Blackburn and Darwen to play sport for free
LEISURE facilities in Blackburn and Darwen are to become free in a ground-breaking bid to tackle the borough's poor health.
The area will become the first place in the country to drop charges for swimming, sport and fitness activities.
Council and health bosses scheme, which will be phased in over the next year, will help increase life expectancy, currently eight years lower than the national average.
It will cost £6million over the first three years, with the cost being split by the borough council and primary care trust.
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Do you think making leisure services free will improve people's health?
Yes
65.7% |  | No
34.3% |  |
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All the council's leisure facilities will be included, apart from football pitches and the Regency gyms at the Waves centre and Darwen Vale.
The new £12million Darwen leisure centre, expected to open in late 2009, will also be free to use.
The council's chief executive Graham Burgess said: "We would be failing in our responsibility to the population if we didn't do something dramatic.
"It's something people have told us they want."
The council and PCT will contribute £1 million per year to the scheme, which also includes a 'health trainer' in each neighbourhood, more sports coaches and 'family weekend activities' throughout the borough.
It will be officially launched at Ewood Park today at an event where Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell and Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor will be among the speakers.
Mr Burgess said a "robust" business assessment had been carried out to ensure the scheme did not run over budget.
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The council's contribution will mostly come from a larger-than-expected government grant for the next three years.
PCT chief executive Judith Griffin said they had to act to encourage residents to lead a healthier lifestyle - more than 24,000 people drank harmful amounts of alcohol last year, and the borough's adults have the third worst exercise levels in the country.
Some 20 per cent of residents have a limiting long term illness, and 58 per cent of adults in the borough are doing no physical activity at all.
Research shows sports participation is particularly low among women and in ethnic minority communities.
Ms Griffin added: "Unless we do something life expectancy will keep on going in the wrong direction."
Council leader Colin Rigby said: "Every year, people in this borough are dying needlessly.
"We want people to live longer, healthier and better lives.
"We believe that this new plan will help do that, but people must want to do something themselves."
The final details of how the scheme will work are still being drawn up and agreed by the council's ruling executive board in the next two months.
It will be rolled out in three phases - over 50s and adults with children will be given free access from July 1, 16-25-year-olds in the autumn, and for everybody else from April 2009.
The offer will apply to people living and working in Blackburn and Darwen, and those covered by Blackburn with Darwen PCT but living outside the borough - about an extra 20,000 people.
6:00am Thursday 20th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: MB on 9:00am Thu 20 Mar 08
This is the best news I have heard from the council ever! I hope this goes ahead and it is not all talk and no action. Council Tax will be worthwhile if this goes ahead. Fantastic news.
This is the best news I have heard from the council ever! I hope this goes ahead and it is not all talk and no action. Council Tax will be worthwhile if this goes ahead. Fantastic news.
Posted by: The Swimmer on 9:12am Thu 20 Mar 08
Those that don't go to the leisure centre can afford booze, fags and run cars and that is why their life expectancy is eight years less than the national average.
It always amazes me how these poor folk can afford the most up to date mobiles and have Sky Tv. This is their choice!
Why should they be allowed free use?
Now i and all those that pay for this facility will have to make a choice by putting up with the unsupervised kids and teenagers who make our enjoyable swimming session an unenjoyable nightmare.
Well done BWD now we that pay might have to pay more to keep fit by going elsewhere.
Paying poll tax too is like being hit twice over because we end up paying more!
Great work BWD punish us that have supported these facilites for years.
People that work and need top ups with benefits should get discounts but i thought that was the whole point of the Beez Card but those that have never worked and have no intentions of working should not get this freebie and i am sure i am not the only person that feels this way.
Those that don't go to the leisure centre can afford booze, fags and run cars and that is why their life expectancy is eight years less than the national average.
It always amazes me how these poor folk can afford the most up to date mobiles and have Sky Tv. This is their choice!
Why should they be allowed free use?
Now i and all those that pay for this facility will have to make a choice by putting up with the unsupervised kids and teenagers who make our enjoyable swimming session an unenjoyable nightmare.
Well done BWD now we that pay might have to pay more to keep fit by going elsewhere.
Paying poll tax too is like being hit twice over because we end up paying more!
Great work BWD punish us that have supported these facilites for years.
People that work and need top ups with benefits should get discounts but i thought that was the whole point of the Beez Card but those that have never worked and have no intentions of working should not get this freebie and i am sure i am not the only person that feels this way.
Posted by: The Swimmer on 9:17am Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]MB[/bold] wrote:
This is the best news I have heard from the council ever! I hope this goes ahead and it is not all talk and no action. Council Tax will be worthwhile if this goes ahead. Fantastic news.[/quote] I hope you wont be complaining when your councl tax goes up and up.
The money has to come from somewhere.
MB wrote:
This is the best news I have heard from the council ever! I hope this goes ahead and it is not all talk and no action. Council Tax will be worthwhile if this goes ahead. Fantastic news.
I hope you wont be complaining when your councl tax goes up and up.
The money has to come from somewhere.
Posted by: Anon. on 9:42am Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote]FREE leisure facilities in Blackburn and Darwen have been hailed as a "one of a kind" initiative by Sport England.[/quote]
What about the free swimming for kids that Leisure and Hyndburn has in every school holiday?
FREE leisure facilities in Blackburn and Darwen have been hailed as a "one of a kind" initiative by Sport England.
What about the free swimming for kids that Leisure and Hyndburn has in every school holiday?
Posted by: scott, blackburn on 10:00am Thu 20 Mar 08
If this doesnt get people out and about doing exercise, then nothing will.
Its an amazing offer. I will certainly be taking advantage of this.
I think the group that lets us down most is asian women, you only see one or two at the gym. Wheras you see loads of asian men at the gym so they should be fit enough.
If this doesnt get people out and about doing exercise, then nothing will.
Its an amazing offer. I will certainly be taking advantage of this.
I think the group that lets us down most is asian women, you only see one or two at the gym. Wheras you see loads of asian men at the gym so they should be fit enough.
Posted by: Slim Jim, Darwen on 10:22am Thu 20 Mar 08
I think some of the leisure centre staff should concentrate on working out more. Never seen a bigger bunch of obese, unhealthy lumps.
I think some of the leisure centre staff should concentrate on working out more. Never seen a bigger bunch of obese, unhealthy lumps.
Posted by: Dole Dosser, Post Office Queue on 10:37am Thu 20 Mar 08
This is just great news! Not only can I get you mug tax-payers to pay for me weed and booze every week, but now I can clutter up the gym and shelter in there when it's lashing it down. The thought that the council are doing this because of our type being unhealthly is even more rewarding! Makes me want to crack open another can of Stein. I have to agree with Jim from Darwen about the leisure centre staff, never have I seen such a bunch of more miserable unfriendly types since Rileys circa 2004.
This is just great news! Not only can I get you mug tax-payers to pay for me weed and booze every week, but now I can clutter up the gym and shelter in there when it's lashing it down. The thought that the council are doing this because of our type being unhealthly is even more rewarding! Makes me want to crack open another can of Stein. I have to agree with Jim from Darwen about the leisure centre staff, never have I seen such a bunch of more miserable unfriendly types since Rileys circa 2004.
Posted by: Me, Darwen on 11:29am Thu 20 Mar 08
Well done to the council, this is ground breaking stuff. Well done to the For Darwen Party, if you hadn't broke the council last year things like this would never have happened. We keep our leisure centre and when its built it will be free, superb. Roll on May 1st, you get my vote!
Well done to the council, this is ground breaking stuff. Well done to the For Darwen Party, if you hadn't broke the council last year things like this would never have happened. We keep our leisure centre and when its built it will be free, superb. Roll on May 1st, you get my vote!
Posted by: What is Free?, Blackburn on 11:34am Thu 20 Mar 08
Interested to see Labour MP Janet Anderson claiming credit for the Government's generous grant - a grant that has been made possible by the ridiculously high tax burden that we have in this country - so why does she not thank the abused tax payers of this country for their forced contributions.
YOU ARE ROBBING US!!
Councillor Kate Hollearn aslo welcomes it. The plans are still being drawn up - so how come this does not attract the same "wooly" tag that she attaches to the "Celebrate Blackburn" event - could it be party politics?
[bold]bold[/bold] FREE[bold]bold[/bold] this is our money - plundered and spent in whatever way these people see fit - and they all pat themselves on the back and go down to a "launch" at Ewood today.
I never got an invite! I bet it's a nice bash though.
The private gyns will thrive from this. I bet they are rubbing their hands. School hols at Waves are already bad enough. Inadequate parents who throw their kids in the pool while they go and have a few pints - taking advantage of the free facility - mean "normal well behaved kids" cannot get in. This will only make the situation worse and increase the membership of the JJB's, Next Generations etc.
"It's something people told us they want" from the Chief Exec.
I want my taxes lowered, including Council Tax. I want crime down, I want access to a decent education for my kids, and decent healthcare for my whole family.
Fitness - we can take care of and I think so can most people that give a ****.
Interested to see Labour MP Janet Anderson claiming credit for the Government's generous grant - a grant that has been made possible by the ridiculously high tax burden that we have in this country - so why does she not thank the abused tax payers of this country for their forced contributions.
YOU ARE ROBBING US!!
Councillor Kate Hollearn aslo welcomes it. The plans are still being drawn up - so how come this does not attract the same "wooly" tag that she attaches to the "Celebrate Blackburn" event - could it be party politics?
FREE this is our money - plundered and spent in whatever way these people see fit - and they all pat themselves on the back and go down to a "launch" at Ewood today.
I never got an invite! I bet it's a nice bash though.
The private gyns will thrive from this. I bet they are rubbing their hands. School hols at Waves are already bad enough. Inadequate parents who throw their kids in the pool while they go and have a few pints - taking advantage of the free facility - mean "normal well behaved kids" cannot get in. This will only make the situation worse and increase the membership of the JJB's, Next Generations etc.
"It's something people told us they want" from the Chief Exec.
I want my taxes lowered, including Council Tax. I want crime down, I want access to a decent education for my kids, and decent healthcare for my whole family.
Fitness - we can take care of and I think so can most people that give a ****.
Posted by: Merlin, The Voice of Reason, Ramsbottom on 12:06pm Thu 20 Mar 08
This is a welcome move by Darwen with Blackburn Council.
Leisure Services are already subsidised by Council Tax payers. This just goes one step further, to make most facilities (though not all) completely free. This is how things used to be years ago.
The only people wingeing, and there's always going to be the usual suspects venting their spleens on these pages, are those who don't want to mix with "all and sundry". Council-provided leaisure services, paid for at point of use, are not significantly cheaper than private health clubs in most cases, so they can pop off to their nearest one and get fit there.
I propose a "lazy fat b*stard" poll tax - a charge for all those who refuse to do any exercise, when perfectly able to do so. This will help to cover any cost of this initiative.
This is a welcome move by Darwen with Blackburn Council.
Leisure Services are already subsidised by Council Tax payers. This just goes one step further, to make most facilities (though not all) completely free. This is how things used to be years ago.
The only people wingeing, and there's always going to be the usual suspects venting their spleens on these pages, are those who don't want to mix with "all and sundry". Council-provided leaisure services, paid for at point of use, are not significantly cheaper than private health clubs in most cases, so they can pop off to their nearest one and get fit there.
I propose a "lazy fat b*stard" poll tax - a charge for all those who refuse to do any exercise, when perfectly able to do so. This will help to cover any cost of this initiative.
Posted by: Sarah, Darwen on 12:07pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Well said What is Free?, Blackburn.
I would rather live my life now and die eight years earlier than be a miserable sod and live eight years longer.
This controlling freak show of a government want to tell me how to live MY life!!! They can get stuffed.
Well said What is Free?, Blackburn.
I would rather live my life now and die eight years earlier than be a miserable sod and live eight years longer.
This controlling freak show of a government want to tell me how to live MY life!!! They can get stuffed.
Posted by: Merlin, The Voice of Reason, Ramsbottom on 12:07pm Thu 20 Mar 08
This is a welcome move by Darwen with Blackburn Council.
Leisure Services are already subsidised by Council Tax payers. This just goes one step further, to make most facilities (though not all) completely free. This is how things used to be years ago.
The only people wingeing, and there's always going to be the usual suspects venting their spleens on these pages, are those who don't want to mix with "all and sundry". Council-provided leisure services, paid for at point of use, are not significantly cheaper than private health clubs in most cases, so they can pop off to their nearest one and get fit there.
I propose a "lazy fat b*stard" poll tax - a charge for all those who refuse to do any exercise, when perfectly able to do so. This will help to cover any cost of this initiative.
This is a welcome move by Darwen with Blackburn Council.
Leisure Services are already subsidised by Council Tax payers. This just goes one step further, to make most facilities (though not all) completely free. This is how things used to be years ago.
The only people wingeing, and there's always going to be the usual suspects venting their spleens on these pages, are those who don't want to mix with "all and sundry". Council-provided leisure services, paid for at point of use, are not significantly cheaper than private health clubs in most cases, so they can pop off to their nearest one and get fit there.
I propose a "lazy fat b*stard" poll tax - a charge for all those who refuse to do any exercise, when perfectly able to do so. This will help to cover any cost of this initiative.
Posted by: Merlin, The Voice of Reason, Ramsbottom on 12:09pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Sarah[/bold] wrote:
Well said What is Free?, Blackburn.
I would rather live my life now and die eight years earlier than be a miserable sod and live eight years longer.
This controlling freak show of a government want to tell me how to live MY life!!! They can get stuffed.[/quote] Sarah,
You are not being forced to do any exercise, merely encouraged to do so.
I am afraid that you are one of the people I had in mind when I proposed a top-up tax.
Sarah wrote:
Well said What is Free?, Blackburn.
I would rather live my life now and die eight years earlier than be a miserable sod and live eight years longer.
This controlling freak show of a government want to tell me how to live MY life!!! They can get stuffed.
Sarah,
You are not being forced to do any exercise, merely encouraged to do so.
I am afraid that you are one of the people I had in mind when I proposed a top-up tax.
Posted by: Pyramids on 12:17pm Thu 20 Mar 08
1/2 pounder cheese burger with double cheese and fries plenty chilli and garlic.
Salad?
No thanks I'm on a diet
1/2 pounder cheese burger with double cheese and fries plenty chilli and garlic.
Salad?
No thanks I'm on a diet
Posted by: Sarah, Darwen on 12:18pm Thu 20 Mar 08
I'm fit and healthy and I don't want to exercise. My job keeps me fit. No need to go to a gym.
I'm fed up with all this 'you've got to do this or this will happen'. Everybody is different and each one is an individual case.
Maybe the next step will be to round up anybody who looks unfit and force them into the back of yellow vans.
I'm fit and healthy and I don't want to exercise. My job keeps me fit. No need to go to a gym.
I'm fed up with all this 'you've got to do this or this will happen'. Everybody is different and each one is an individual case.
Maybe the next step will be to round up anybody who looks unfit and force them into the back of yellow vans.
Posted by: simon, Gt Harwood on 12:36pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Does this include the free use of astro turf facilities for junior football clubs?
Does this include the free use of astro turf facilities for junior football clubs?
Posted by: scott, blackburn on 12:37pm Thu 20 Mar 08
In a way i agree with a fat B*****d tax, as all use healthy people are subsidising the NHS to treat these people for heart and blood disease.
I cant believe that people on here will moan about owt. You are given something for free then moan.
When you have to pay more you moan.
Theres no bloody in between for some of you.
Maybe some of you should get off your arses and get to the leisure centres :)
In a way i agree with a fat B*****d tax, as all use healthy people are subsidising the NHS to treat these people for heart and blood disease.
I cant believe that people on here will moan about owt. You are given something for free then moan.
When you have to pay more you moan.
Theres no bloody in between for some of you.
Maybe some of you should get off your arses and get to the leisure centres :)
Posted by: John, Blackburn on 12:49pm Thu 20 Mar 08
What great news.
What most short sighted people fail to see with this scheme is that encouraging people to get fitter will actually save YOU money in the long run as the NHS is not as crippled and over burdened with un-healthy over weight patients.
And Sarah from Darwen has totally missed the point, we are not being cattle proded into leisure centres, the option is there now for more families who previously could not afford such activites.
Great news
What great news.
What most short sighted people fail to see with this scheme is that encouraging people to get fitter will actually save YOU money in the long run as the NHS is not as crippled and over burdened with un-healthy over weight patients.
And Sarah from Darwen has totally missed the point, we are not being cattle proded into leisure centres, the option is there now for more families who previously could not afford such activites.
Great news
Posted by: John Howarth, Blackburn on 1:09pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Very good news from the local council. What a great pity that more emphasis cannot be put into the state of football pitches in Blackburn. Pleasington Playong Fields is a disgrace with the amount of mole hills on the pitches, which the council are completely ignoring
Very good news from the local council. What a great pity that more emphasis cannot be put into the state of football pitches in Blackburn. Pleasington Playong Fields is a disgrace with the amount of mole hills on the pitches, which the council are completely ignoring
Posted by: Ged Hall, Worsthorne on 1:29pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Nice one, John, then perhaps the Council could next investigate fake football programme sales on the internet
Nice one, John, then perhaps the Council could next investigate fake football programme sales on the internet
Posted by: dustin, lancashire on 2:05pm Thu 20 Mar 08
I was initially delighted when I heard this on the radio. However, when I have read the small print it says that the gyms at Darwen Vale and Waves won't be included? Surely one of the best ways of getting fit is visiting a gym, so where are the free gyms we are to have access to?
I was initially delighted when I heard this on the radio. However, when I have read the small print it says that the gyms at Darwen Vale and Waves won't be included? Surely one of the best ways of getting fit is visiting a gym, so where are the free gyms we are to have access to?
Posted by: Good Idea, Darwen on 2:09pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Sarah[/bold] wrote:
I'm fit and healthy and I don't want to exercise. My job keeps me fit. No need to go to a gym. I'm fed up with all this 'you've got to do this or this will happen'. Everybody is different and each one is an individual case. Maybe the next step will be to round up anybody who looks unfit and force them into the back of yellow vans.[/quote] Try reading the article next time... The Gyms aren't included.
Stop being so sodding selfish.
Sarah wrote:
I'm fit and healthy and I don't want to exercise. My job keeps me fit. No need to go to a gym. I'm fed up with all this 'you've got to do this or this will happen'. Everybody is different and each one is an individual case. Maybe the next step will be to round up anybody who looks unfit and force them into the back of yellow vans.
Try reading the article next time... The Gyms aren't included.
Stop being so sodding selfish.
Posted by: Blondie on 2:50pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[bold][quote]I propose a "lazy fat b*stard" poll tax - a charge for all those who refuse to do any exercise, when perfectly able to do so. This will help to cover any cost of this initiative[/bold] .[/quote]
Those that don't pay any council tax and never have done would escape the FB tax and would laugh their pants off at such an idea.
[bold][quote] those who don't want to mix with "all and sundry".[/quote][/bold]
Merlin,
There is nothing worse than unruly disrespectful people who have no consideraton for others and this free idea will no doubt see vandalism reach an all time high and complaints from those that want to work out in peace.
Those that have happily paid, even with their Beez Cards might not have transport to go to their nearest private health club or more to the point might not be able to afford that little bit extra.
[bold]
[quote]What most short sighted people fail to see with this scheme is that encouraging people to get fitter will actually save YOU money in the long run as the NHS is not as crippled and over burdened with un-healthy over weight patients.[/quote][/bold]
If all the boozers stopped supping, the smokers stopped smoking and the druggies quit too then the health service would be much much richer.
Staff at hospitals deal with drink/drug related incidents and accidents which push the costs up and that of our police service too.
This freebie has nothing to do with over weight folk it is to do with teaching folk how to be healthier.
I propose a "lazy fat b*stard" poll tax - a charge for all those who refuse to do any exercise, when perfectly able to do so. This will help to cover any cost of this initiative
.
Those that don't pay any council tax and never have done would escape the FB tax and would laugh their pants off at such an idea.
those who don't want to mix with "all and sundry".
Merlin,
There is nothing worse than unruly disrespectful people who have no consideraton for others and this free idea will no doubt see vandalism reach an all time high and complaints from those that want to work out in peace.
Those that have happily paid, even with their Beez Cards might not have transport to go to their nearest private health club or more to the point might not be able to afford that little bit extra.
What most short sighted people fail to see with this scheme is that encouraging people to get fitter will actually save YOU money in the long run as the NHS is not as crippled and over burdened with un-healthy over weight patients.
If all the boozers stopped supping, the smokers stopped smoking and the druggies quit too then the health service would be much much richer.
Staff at hospitals deal with drink/drug related incidents and accidents which push the costs up and that of our police service too.
This freebie has nothing to do with over weight folk it is to do with teaching folk how to be healthier.
Posted by: Kate Drever, Blackburn on 3:32pm Thu 20 Mar 08
What a wonderful idea this council is tops.Low council tax rise weekly bin collections. And now we can all keep fit what a saving for hard working families.
What a wonderful idea this council is tops.Low council tax rise weekly bin collections. And now we can all keep fit what a saving for hard working families.
Posted by: Happy, Darwen on 3:42pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Happy what a great choice:))Hts off to the council for once.
Happy what a great choice:))Hts off to the council for once.
Posted by: What is Free?, Blackburn on 3:52pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Some of you don't get it do you.
You have a fiver in your pocket. You can chose - it's your fiver - spend it on what you like - a trip to Waves - a couple of pints and a bag of pork scratchings - or bung it on a horse etc.
Your Choice.
Or I take it off you, and insist that it most go to a swimming session at your local pool.
If you don't want to do that. [bold]bold[/bold] TOUGH![bold]bold[/bold]
You fiver is gone regardless.
After all I know better than you.
Would you accept that - cos all you approving of this - that's what is happening.
Some of you don't get it do you.
You have a fiver in your pocket. You can chose - it's your fiver - spend it on what you like - a trip to Waves - a couple of pints and a bag of pork scratchings - or bung it on a horse etc.
Your Choice.
Or I take it off you, and insist that it most go to a swimming session at your local pool.
If you don't want to do that. TOUGH!
You fiver is gone regardless.
After all I know better than you.
Would you accept that - cos all you approving of this - that's what is happening.
Posted by: Roger, Burnley on 3:53pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Well done to B&D for this iniative.Hopefully it will shame Burnley Council in to action.They are on a mission to discourage sport with exorbitant increases in charges(unless of course you are Burnley FC where all sorts of grants will be thrown at them to build their new stadium)
Well done to B&D for this iniative.Hopefully it will shame Burnley Council in to action.They are on a mission to discourage sport with exorbitant increases in charges(unless of course you are Burnley FC where all sorts of grants will be thrown at them to build their new stadium)
Posted by: vikingpower, blackburn on 4:03pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]scott[/bold] wrote:
In a way i agree with a fat B*****d tax, as all use healthy people are subsidising the NHS to treat these people for heart and blood disease. I cant believe that people on here will moan about owt. You are given something for free then moan. When you have to pay more you moan. Theres no bloody in between for some of you. Maybe some of you should get off your arses and get to the leisure centres :)[/quote] what about all the sport related injuries that will occur once people that have never exercised before take up this so called free offer,wont that be a burden on the nhs?
scott wrote:
In a way i agree with a fat B*****d tax, as all use healthy people are subsidising the NHS to treat these people for heart and blood disease. I cant believe that people on here will moan about owt. You are given something for free then moan. When you have to pay more you moan. Theres no bloody in between for some of you. Maybe some of you should get off your arses and get to the leisure centres :)
what about all the sport related injuries that will occur once people that have never exercised before take up this so called free offer,wont that be a burden on the nhs?
Posted by: John, Blackburn on 4:09pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Blondie[/bold] wrote:
[bold][quote]I propose a \\\"lazy fat b*stard\\\" poll tax - a charge for all those who refuse to do any exercise, when perfectly able to do so. This will help to cover any cost of this initiative[/bold] .[/quote] Those that don\\\'t pay any council tax and never have done would escape the FB tax and would laugh their pants off at such an idea. [bold][quote] those who don\\\'t want to mix with \\\"all and sundry\\\".[/quote][/bold] Merlin, There is nothing worse than unruly disrespectful people who have no consideraton for others and this free idea will no doubt see vandalism reach an all time high and complaints from those that want to work out in peace. Those that have happily paid, even with their Beez Cards might not have transport to go to their nearest private health club or more to the point might not be able to afford that little bit extra. [bold] [quote]What most short sighted people fail to see with this scheme is that encouraging people to get fitter will actually save YOU money in the long run as the NHS is not as crippled and over burdened with un-healthy over weight patients.[/quote][/bold] If all the boozers stopped supping, the smokers stopped smoking and the druggies quit too then the health service would be much much richer. Staff at hospitals deal with drink/drug related incidents and accidents which push the costs up and that of our police service too. This freebie has nothing to do with over weight folk it is to do with teaching folk how to be healthier.[/quote] But the boozers and smokers are paying for their own health care through tax they pay on the products.
Over weight and healthier go hand in hand, you don't see many healthy over weight people? :-)
Blondie wrote:
I propose a \\\"lazy fat b*stard\\\" poll tax - a charge for all those who refuse to do any exercise, when perfectly able to do so. This will help to cover any cost of this initiative
.
Those that don't pay any council tax and never have done would escape the FB tax and would laugh their pants off at such an idea.
those who don't want to mix with \\\"all and sundry\\\".
Merlin, There is nothing worse than unruly disrespectful people who have no consideraton for others and this free idea will no doubt see vandalism reach an all time high and complaints from those that want to work out in peace. Those that have happily paid, even with their Beez Cards might not have transport to go to their nearest private health club or more to the point might not be able to afford that little bit extra.
What most short sighted people fail to see with this scheme is that encouraging people to get fitter will actually save YOU money in the long run as the NHS is not as crippled and over burdened with un-healthy over weight patients.
If all the boozers stopped supping, the smokers stopped smoking and the druggies quit too then the health service would be much much richer. Staff at hospitals deal with drink/drug related incidents and accidents which push the costs up and that of our police service too. This freebie has nothing to do with over weight folk it is to do with teaching folk how to be healthier. But the boozers and smokers are paying for their own health care through tax they pay on the products.
Over weight and healthier go hand in hand, you don't see many healthy over weight people? :-)
Posted by: ming on 4:13pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Get yourselves down to booze buster for an 8 pack of Stella.....oh and pyramids, yeah ill have a kebab please.
Hold the salad!!!!!!! [bold]bold[/bold] [quote]quote[/quote] [quote]quote[/quote]
Get yourselves down to booze buster for an 8 pack of Stella.....oh and pyramids, yeah ill have a kebab please.
Hold the salad!!!!!!!
quote
quote
Posted by: John, Blackburn on 4:13pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]What is Free?[/bold] wrote:
Some of you don\'t get it do you. You have a fiver in your pocket. You can chose - it\'s your fiver - spend it on what you like - a trip to Waves - a couple of pints and a bag of pork scratchings - or bung it on a horse etc. Your Choice. Or I take it off you, and insist that it most go to a swimming session at your local pool. If you don\'t want to do that. [bold]bold[/bold] TOUGH![bold]bold[/bold] You fiver is gone regardless. After all I know better than you. Would you accept that - cos all you approving of this - that\'s what is happening.[/quote] Possibly the most deluded paragraph I have ever read. The aim of this is to SAVE money for you in the long run
What is Free? wrote:
Some of you don\'t get it do you. You have a fiver in your pocket. You can chose - it\'s your fiver - spend it on what you like - a trip to Waves - a couple of pints and a bag of pork scratchings - or bung it on a horse etc. Your Choice. Or I take it off you, and insist that it most go to a swimming session at your local pool. If you don\'t want to do that. TOUGH! You fiver is gone regardless. After all I know better than you. Would you accept that - cos all you approving of this - that\'s what is happening.
Possibly the most deluded paragraph I have ever read. The aim of this is to SAVE money for you in the long run
Posted by: graham, blackburn on 4:41pm Thu 20 Mar 08
At last the BwD, as seen sense and done something for the public. WELDONE. I hope that you can get more funding to allow activetise for all genertions at Communties centers. Get Up and Get Out! Please read this artcile BwD, council have actives in areas that are free as well. Thank you, Please don't go back on your word. Great.
At last the BwD, as seen sense and done something for the public. WELDONE. I hope that you can get more funding to allow activetise for all genertions at Communties centers. Get Up and Get Out! Please read this artcile BwD, council have actives in areas that are free as well. Thank you, Please don't go back on your word. Great.
Posted by: scott, blackburn on 5:01pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]vikingpower[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]scott[/bold] wrote: In a way i agree with a fat B*****d tax, as all use healthy people are subsidising the NHS to treat these people for heart and blood disease. I cant believe that people on here will moan about owt. You are given something for free then moan. When you have to pay more you moan. Theres no bloody in between for some of you. Maybe some of you should get off your arses and get to the leisure centres :)[/quote] what about all the sport related injuries that will occur once people that have never exercised before take up this so called free offer,wont that be a burden on the nhs?[/quote] Did you not read the article, they are also investing in fitness coaches. You know, those that give you advice and programmes to follow.
And i dont think its as simple as no exercise before means instant injury.
And even if it did, it would most likely be a muscle injury. And you know what to do with that, no operating theatre, not even a trip to a GP, just a little rest not using that limb....
vikingpower wrote:
scott wrote: In a way i agree with a fat B*****d tax, as all use healthy people are subsidising the NHS to treat these people for heart and blood disease. I cant believe that people on here will moan about owt. You are given something for free then moan. When you have to pay more you moan. Theres no bloody in between for some of you. Maybe some of you should get off your arses and get to the leisure centres :)
what about all the sport related injuries that will occur once people that have never exercised before take up this so called free offer,wont that be a burden on the nhs?
Did you not read the article, they are also investing in fitness coaches. You know, those that give you advice and programmes to follow.
And i dont think its as simple as no exercise before means instant injury.
And even if it did, it would most likely be a muscle injury. And you know what to do with that, no operating theatre, not even a trip to a GP, just a little rest not using that limb....
Posted by: julie, rishton on 5:22pm Thu 20 Mar 08
This is great news maybe Hyndburn sports centre who were threatened last year with closure could be saved if Hyndburn council take the same action. Not all families can afford to use leisure facilities or individuals who choose to work and are on low incomes. I myself think this is a step forward.[quote]quote[/quote]
This is great news maybe Hyndburn sports centre who were threatened last year with closure could be saved if Hyndburn council take the same action. Not all families can afford to use leisure facilities or individuals who choose to work and are on low incomes. I myself think this is a step forward.
quote
Posted by: What is Free?, Blackburn on 5:26pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[quote][bold]John[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]What is Free?[/bold] wrote: Some of you don\\\'t get it do you. You have a fiver in your pocket. You can chose - it\\\'s your fiver - spend it on what you like - a trip to Waves - a couple of pints and a bag of pork scratchings - or bung it on a horse etc. Your Choice. Or I take it off you, and insist that it most go to a swimming session at your local pool. If you don\\\'t want to do that. [bold]bold[/bold] TOUGH![bold]bold[/bold] You fiver is gone regardless. After all I know better than you. Would you accept that - cos all you approving of this - that\\\'s what is happening.[/quote] Possibly the most deluded paragraph I have ever read. The aim of this is to SAVE money for you in the long run[/quote] You think it's deluded.
Hand over some of your hard earned to me and let me divy it up how I feel is best for you.
I can look after myslef and my own and don't need others to do it for me.
John wrote:
What is Free? wrote: Some of you don't get it do you. You have a fiver in your pocket. You can chose - it's your fiver - spend it on what you like - a trip to Waves - a couple of pints and a bag of pork scratchings - or bung it on a horse etc. Your Choice. Or I take it off you, and insist that it most go to a swimming session at your local pool. If you don't want to do that. TOUGH! You fiver is gone regardless. After all I know better than you. Would you accept that - cos all you approving of this - that's what is happening.
Possibly the most deluded paragraph I have ever read. The aim of this is to SAVE money for you in the long run
You think it's deluded.
Hand over some of your hard earned to me and let me divy it up how I feel is best for you.
I can look after myslef and my own and don't need others to do it for me.
Posted by: racket man, accrington on 6:00pm Thu 20 Mar 08
question i have is
what will be the responce by the people who attend clubs at the sports centres
will it be free to swim alone but at a cost to swim at a club and will the clubs fall apart due to lack of numbers
this matter will have to be answered by the council asap for the sake of the clubs
question i have is
what will be the responce by the people who attend clubs at the sports centres
will it be free to swim alone but at a cost to swim at a club and will the clubs fall apart due to lack of numbers
this matter will have to be answered by the council asap for the sake of the clubs
Posted by: MIKEOXLONG on 6:30pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Just another example of people wanting something for nowt!
Just another example of people wanting something for nowt!
Posted by: nj, darwen on 8:34pm Thu 20 Mar 08
two things, darwen leisure centre wont be finished next year, and the council or government cant afford for us to live longer, surely we should be held up as a becon to the rest of the country
two things, darwen leisure centre wont be finished next year, and the council or government cant afford for us to live longer, surely we should be held up as a becon to the rest of the country
Posted by: Joe, Darwen on 8:47pm Thu 20 Mar 08
I think this is a great idea. All we need now are the facilities. How long do we Darweners have to wait for our new leisure centre?
Waves is rubbish for swimming, and I'm not at keen on coming over to Blackburn to try out your other facilities.
Why didn't you build a new leisure centre before you closed the old one. You wouldn't do do that with any other public facility would you?
I think this is a great idea. All we need now are the facilities. How long do we Darweners have to wait for our new leisure centre?
Waves is rubbish for swimming, and I'm not at keen on coming over to Blackburn to try out your other facilities.
Why didn't you build a new leisure centre before you closed the old one. You wouldn't do do that with any other public facility would you?
Posted by: andy on 9:06pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Joe the reason a new centre was not built before the old one closed was because Darreners wanted it on the same site.
There was then delays on the planning application, which I believe still has not gone to the planning committee. The spin of free facilities for three years will be well over before the new centre at Darwen is ever built
Joe the reason a new centre was not built before the old one closed was because Darreners wanted it on the same site.
There was then delays on the planning application, which I believe still has not gone to the planning committee. The spin of free facilities for three years will be well over before the new centre at Darwen is ever built
Posted by: gujjar, burnley on 9:39pm Thu 20 Mar 08
[bold]bold[/bold] very good news. Well done to everyone for this great achievement both the councils and the taxpayers who willingly or not made this possible. Hope this happens in burnley too as we have to pay 30 pounds a month to use facilities at the st peters centre. It make's every sense to go to the gym for a healthy life, thats how the nhs will benefit less costs etc. On the other hand now the wars are coming to an end the tax money has to somewhere.
very good news. Well done to everyone for this great achievement both the councils and the taxpayers who willingly or not made this possible. Hope this happens in burnley too as we have to pay 30 pounds a month to use facilities at the st peters centre. It make's every sense to go to the gym for a healthy life, thats how the nhs will benefit less costs etc. On the other hand now the wars are coming to an end the tax money has to somewhere.
Posted by: sharon on 9:55pm Thu 20 Mar 08
it makes a change to hear some good news, although what leisure centres can we use, Shadsworth as seen better days, Darwen is a pile of rubble (although looking farword to seeing the final result), yes I am overweight and can`t afford to use private facilities, but would love to exercise more, and before anyone says anything, yes I do walk and and I do work.nice effort BwD
it makes a change to hear some good news, although what leisure centres can we use, Shadsworth as seen better days, Darwen is a pile of rubble (although looking farword to seeing the final result), yes I am overweight and can`t afford to use private facilities, but would love to exercise more, and before anyone says anything, yes I do walk and and I do work.nice effort BwD
Posted by: annoyed on 10:09pm Thu 20 Mar 08
"All the council's leisure facilities will be included, apart from football pitches and the Regency gyms at the Waves centre and Darwen Vale.
[quote]quote[/quote] [quote]quote[/quote] The council's contribution will mostly come from a larger-than-expected government grant for the next three years.
What is left, Shadsworth that will close under building schools for the future and Audley.
What a con, just like the weekly collections that went to half sized bins. Just like the free parking that never happened. Dont be taken in by these jokers, Rigby and Burgess just want the headlines to divert away from the fact that they are cutting the lower paid workers salaries.
"All the council's leisure facilities will be included, apart from football pitches and the Regency gyms at the Waves centre and Darwen Vale.
quote
quote
The council's contribution will mostly come from a larger-than-expected government grant for the next three years.
What is left, Shadsworth that will close under building schools for the future and Audley.
What a con, just like the weekly collections that went to half sized bins. Just like the free parking that never happened. Dont be taken in by these jokers, Rigby and Burgess just want the headlines to divert away from the fact that they are cutting the lower paid workers salaries.
Posted by: Blackburner, Blackburn...Of Course! on 10:36pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Just saw the local news where some monkey said when asked if he worked out:''Can I say this...? Only when I was in jail...''
Oh dear...Doesn't give the town a thumbs up to the rest of the country,does it...?
Just saw the local news where some monkey said when asked if he worked out:''Can I say this...? Only when I was in jail...''
Oh dear...Doesn't give the town a thumbs up to the rest of the country,does it...?
Posted by: what a load of rubbish on 11:00pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Nothing for Darwen as usual. A little for Blackburn if you want to go to Audley, sounds a lot of hot air to me. An expensive launch at our cost.
Its all free, except, Waves Darwen Vale Darwen. We can go walking, cycling play badminton or even bowls. Hip Hip Hooray. We can do that anyway. Looks like jobs for the boys to me, lots of advisors
Get real.
Nothing for Darwen as usual. A little for Blackburn if you want to go to Audley, sounds a lot of hot air to me. An expensive launch at our cost.
Its all free, except, Waves Darwen Vale Darwen. We can go walking, cycling play badminton or even bowls. Hip Hip Hooray. We can do that anyway. Looks like jobs for the boys to me, lots of advisors
Get real.
Posted by: lizzy, darwen on 11:45pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Can you swim in a hijab and work out in one or would it affect the health and safety issue. perhaps they can do life saving exercises in a hijab instead of trakki botts like we used to do at school.
Can you swim in a hijab and work out in one or would it affect the health and safety issue. perhaps they can do life saving exercises in a hijab instead of trakki botts like we used to do at school.
Posted by: Rob, Lancs on 12:58am Fri 21 Mar 08
[quote]It will be rolled out in three phases - over 50s and adults with children will be given free access from July 1, 16-25-year-olds in the autumn, and for everybody else from April 2009.[/quote]
So an adult not accompanying a child and is in the 26 - 49 age range will have to pay until it becomes free in April 2009.
Reminds me of the NHS policy with regards treatment priorities of 25-50 year olds. As highlighted by Panorama some time ago.
[quote]The offer will apply to people living and working in Blackburn and Darwen, and those covered by Blackburn with Darwen PCT but living outside the borough - about an extra 20,000 people.[/quote]
So residents of the borough are subsidising 20,000 non resident contributors. Lovely.
It sounds like many have been conned into thinking it is a good [bold]freebie[/bold] .
It will be rolled out in three phases - over 50s and adults with children will be given free access from July 1, 16-25-year-olds in the autumn, and for everybody else from April 2009.
So an adult not accompanying a child and is in the 26 - 49 age range will have to pay until it becomes free in April 2009.
Reminds me of the NHS policy with regards treatment priorities of 25-50 year olds. As highlighted by Panorama some time ago.
The offer will apply to people living and working in Blackburn and Darwen, and those covered by Blackburn with Darwen PCT but living outside the borough - about an extra 20,000 people.
So residents of the borough are subsidising 20,000 non resident contributors. Lovely.
It sounds like many have been conned into thinking it is a good
freebie .
Posted by: vikingpower, blackburn on 5:53am Fri 21 Mar 08
[quote][bold]scott[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]vikingpower[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]scott[/bold] wrote: In a way i agree with a fat B*****d tax, as all use healthy people are subsidising the NHS to treat these people for heart and blood disease. I cant believe that people on here will moan about owt. You are given something for free then moan. When you have to pay more you moan. Theres no bloody in between for some of you. Maybe some of you should get off your arses and get to the leisure centres :)[/quote] what about all the sport related injuries that will occur once people that have never exercised before take up this so called free offer,wont that be a burden on the nhs?[/quote] Did you not read the article, they are also investing in fitness coaches. You know, those that give you advice and programmes to follow. And i dont think its as simple as no exercise before means instant injury. And even if it did, it would most likely be a muscle injury. And you know what to do with that, no operating theatre, not even a trip to a GP, just a little rest not using that limb....[/quote] Football clubs have fitness coaches dont they?But that doesnt stop fit young men picking up injuries in training does it?damage a tendon or a ligament and you can be laid up for quite a while.
scott wrote:
vikingpower wrote: scott wrote: In a way i agree with a fat B*****d tax, as all use healthy people are subsidising the NHS to treat these people for heart and blood disease. I cant believe that people on here will moan about owt. You are given something for free then moan. When you have to pay more you moan. Theres no bloody in between for some of you. Maybe some of you should get off your arses and get to the leisure centres :)
what about all the sport related injuries that will occur once people that have never exercised before take up this so called free offer,wont that be a burden on the nhs?
Did you not read the article, they are also investing in fitness coaches. You know, those that give you advice and programmes to follow. And i dont think its as simple as no exercise before means instant injury. And even if it did, it would most likely be a muscle injury. And you know what to do with that, no operating theatre, not even a trip to a GP, just a little rest not using that limb....
Football clubs have fitness coaches dont they?But that doesnt stop fit young men picking up injuries in training does it?damage a tendon or a ligament and you can be laid up for quite a while.
Posted by: nick, lancs on 9:15am Fri 21 Mar 08
think about this
you never get anything for free!!
nothing is free in life!!
once you get that you realise that you will pay one way or another !
think about this
you never get anything for free!!
nothing is free in life!!
once you get that you realise that you will pay one way or another !
Posted by: A Discerning Darrener, Darwen on 7:40pm Fri 21 Mar 08
Well I was so looking forward to the new pool opening in Darwen.There is now nothing more guaranteed to keep me away from it now than the news that it will be free to all.I am sure that I do not need to explain more. It is not the lack of cash that keeps Darreners so unhealthy!! More like an excess of sky TV ,drugs ,dope,fags, booze ,kebabs,chips and unhealthy takeaways.Have the councillors ever actually noticed what goes on in Darwen?Have they ever stood in a takeaway and watched what people are buying or seen what children are being brought up on?
How does the Council know this is what people wanted? I am sure that I have not been asked for an opinion so I will voice it here.
Well I was so looking forward to the new pool opening in Darwen.There is now nothing more guaranteed to keep me away from it now than the news that it will be free to all.I am sure that I do not need to explain more. It is not the lack of cash that keeps Darreners so unhealthy!! More like an excess of sky TV ,drugs ,dope,fags, booze ,kebabs,chips and unhealthy takeaways.Have the councillors ever actually noticed what goes on in Darwen?Have they ever stood in a takeaway and watched what people are buying or seen what children are being brought up on?
How does the Council know this is what people wanted? I am sure that I have not been asked for an opinion so I will voice it here.
Posted by: darwenforum.co.uk, Darwen on 11:09pm Fri 21 Mar 08
What exactly is it we are getting for free?
[bold]darwenforum.co.uk[/bold]
What exactly is it we are getting for free?
darwenforum.co.uk Posted by: Chris on 9:55pm Sat 22 Mar 08
This is a great scheme but why do we have to wait? According to this it will be over 12 months before I can use free facilities. As residents of Darwen we are already disadvantaged by having no swimming baths and poor gym facilities. I would like to get fit but cannot afford to travel to Blackburn on top of the costs of sports facilities. Please make it free for everyone on the same date.
This is a great scheme but why do we have to wait? According to this it will be over 12 months before I can use free facilities. As residents of Darwen we are already disadvantaged by having no swimming baths and poor gym facilities. I would like to get fit but cannot afford to travel to Blackburn on top of the costs of sports facilities. Please make it free for everyone on the same date.
Posted by: Mr T Hamer, Blackburn on 6:41pm Tue 25 Mar 08
As we are aware the young say they are bored with nothing to do. Sport of any kind is a great way of never ever being bored and if only a few of the yobs that are causing terrible problems for decent people get involved It will most certainly be worth it.You never know until its given a go. This may surprise us all by being one of the best ways forward in solving many of our problems and at least its something different and worth a try, you never no it may work but time will tell. Just one more thing, will it be your post code which allows you to qualify?
As we are aware the young say they are bored with nothing to do. Sport of any kind is a great way of never ever being bored and if only a few of the yobs that are causing terrible problems for decent people get involved It will most certainly be worth it.You never know until its given a go. This may surprise us all by being one of the best ways forward in solving many of our problems and at least its something different and worth a try, you never no it may work but time will tell. Just one more thing, will it be your post code which allows you to qualify?
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