Island MP Derek Wyatt is demanding answers from the council as to why it has rejected a scheme offering free swimming to the young and elderly.

In last week's Times Guardian we reported Swale council would not be taking up the scheme due to “significant financial risks”.

Mr Wyatt (Lab) said: “Interestingly, 300 out of 354 of all councils have adopted the scheme.

“Except Tory led Swale Borough Council and as I understand all the Tory borough councils in Kent.

“They have refused to help fund the scheme and as a consequence thousands and thousands of local youngsters and older people will be denied the chance to improve their health, increase their social networking and help the nation’s fight to curb obesity.

“Swale Borough Council claim they cannot afford it.”

Earlier this year the Goverment came forward with its free swimming programme, backed by a budget of £140 million.

Local authorities were asked to support the initiative with some matching funding by September 15.

The scheme was part of supporting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and would have offered free swimming to those under 16 and those over 60.