We are asking Congleton Town Council, Cheshire East Council and Everybody Health & Leisure to increase discounts and provide more affordable memberships for low-income families at Congleton Leisure Centre.

Exercise and swimming are important for children’s physical and mental health, confidence and social development. Children need regular access to swimming to build confidence and stay safe in the water, not just occasional visits when families can afford it. Leisure centres give children a safe place to stay active, spend time with others and build healthy habits from a young age. At a time when many families are already struggling with the cost of living, affordable access to swimming and exercise should be protected.

However, since the redevelopment and rebrand of the leisure centre, many local families feel prices for memberships, swimming and activities have become too expensive.

While the new facilities are appreciated, lots are now struggling to afford regular access. The current concession scheme no longer feels like meaningful support for low-income residents and feels more about ticking a box than providing genuinely affordable access to health, fitness and swimming for the people who need it most.

We are asking for:

• Better discounts for low-income families
• Affordable family memberships with swimming passes
• Eligibility for families receiving Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and other low-income support
• More affordable access to regular swimming lessons and family swimming sessions

No child should miss out on swimming and exercise because their family cannot afford. 

Please support this petition to help make Congleton Leisure Centre accessible for all local families again.