Improve Your Health at a Discount

10.36.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th Sep 2007

More and more people in Milton Keynes are taking advantage of up to half-price swimming and sports activities, thanks to the innovative Passport to Leisure card.

This discount scheme is run by Milton Keynes Council to make sport and leisure activities more affordable to local residents who are less well off. Across the borough, more than 20 leisure centres, parks and other leisure facilities are now offering discounts to holders of the Passport to Leisure access card.

The discount card is available to families receiving working tax credit, pensioners, students, and people who receive other state benefits such as the job seekers' allowance.

The card costs £5 plus an extra £1 per child to unlock benefits such as swimming at Bletchley Leisure Centre for just 50p for an adult and 10p for a child. The card has to be renewed each year, but renewals are free. Other leisure facilities offering discounts to card holders include Shenley Leisure Centre, Windmill Hill Golf Club, Woughton Leisure Centre, Snozone, Oakgrove Leisure Centre, and the Tattenhoe and Middleton Pavilions.

Liberal Democrat councillor Euan Henderson, cabinet member responsible for sports and community services, said: "Taking part in sport can help us all to lead healthier lives. The Passport to Leisure card plays an important role in allowing the less well off in our community to have equal access to sporting facilities."

If you wish to find out more about the scheme and how to apply, visit the Council's website on www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/passporttoleisure/ or pop in to Oakgrove or Bletchley Leisure Centre or the Tattenhoe Pavilion.