Packed, I would guess.

WHY? is it really a time to be giving things away ? and what purpose does it serve?.

Cheap silly Gimmick

This is a great idea in theory. However the reality is that no one will actually get fit because the pools will be so packed that no one will be able to do much swimming. Im a regular swimmer at Oakengates. When the government introduced free swimming for over 45's and under 18's a few years ago it was horrendous. Gangs of lads diving on top of everyone and general mucking about getting in the way of those trying to get fit. The staff didnt know how to deal with it. Sorry to be negative!

<i>"Council officials said the move would not cost the taxpayer a penny more because the centres would already be open and staffed."</i>

But they would be already open, staffed and taking money and now they won't be taking money - how can that not have cost implications? If it has no cost implications then why do they ever charge?

Good point Adam!

I loved it when free swimming was in place for our two children. It's great for them to get confidence in water, have fun and get a bit of exercise.

But why is it only on a Tuesday, every person who works for a living will be unable to take their families while the families that I subsidise to a certain extent with my taxes will be able to go there?

Everyone should have free swimming at all times, less money spent on shopping centres that are obviously going to empty when finished and monuments that are poorly planned and executed would surely go some way to funding this benefit.

Don't get me wrong, I actually like the Darwin Arch in Mardol and the Quantum Leap on Smithfield road. It just seems that more money is funnelled into them due to bad planning. The Darwin Arch is ruined because someone never noticed the big BT box in the middle of it until it was too late. The Quantum leap didn't meet in the centre when both ends went up. That's unbelievable, they can make a tunnel from France To England but not that... On top of that there seems to be no accountability, did you hear of anyone being disciplined or sacked for these decisions? Nope.

Rant over. Enjoy your free swimming on Tuesday when I'm at work.... :-(

"Inspire a generation"? Which idiot dreamt up that slogan? As for "Portfolio holder for health and wellbeing", what a ridiculous title. And once the ludicrous and monumental waste of public money, which is the Olympics, is over, we will then find out the true cost to all of us of having been conned into staging the whole farce.

And with further cuts in government spending likely, no doubt we can all look forward to the charges at our Council run leisure centres being increased to cover their operating costs, as well as the price of having provided these equally silly freebies.

Do those idiotic Councillors running Shropshire Council seriously believe that the opportunity to take a few swims before the Olympics is going to encourage people to get fit? Sure, they'll take the freebies - as anyone would - and that will be the end of their "commitment" to getting fit.

A fine gesture, but a gesture is all it is. How many people will actually be able to use this offer? I intended to take my 2 yr old today but found that outside of school holidays the toddler pool is open for one hour a week, and not at all on a Tuesday. A strange choice to exclude the youngest members of our society when as your leader article points out, learning to swim is essential.

What about Wellington Leisure Centre?

It may not cost any more, but that's mere casuistry; the pools will be losing revenue that would have helped to defray the cost. That shortfall has to be found from somewhere. Contrary to local government belief money doesn't grow on trees - it's extracted from the taxpayer.

It may be free but just remember!, as always, NO Running, Pushing, Acrobatics or Gymnastics, Shouting, Ducking, Petting, Bombing, Swimming in Diving Area OR Smoking!!!

See this news article: http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2012/04/13/no-reopening-date-for-market-drayton-swimming-pool/

Losing 50,000 litres of water a day! I'd hate to see that water bill! Also no idea when its opening again.

Good to see they've chosen Tuesday as the available free swimming day each week - really inconvenient for the employed. Another empty gesture.........

it wont cost shropshire council any money for free swimming at market drayton pool because it is shut until july, by which time it will be taken over by a private company, and the free offer only lasts to the end of june. the pool was shut on the 12 march, surely someone in the council press office knows whats going on???

ALL COUNCIL RUN FACILITIES LIKE THIS SHOULD BE FREE ALL THE TIME. wHY SHOULD ANYONE HAVE TO PAY FOR A SERVICE FOR WHICH THEY HAVE ALREADY PAID?????????????????????????

Everyone moans when prices go up and apparently everyone moans when a little something is given away for free too!

Its only for one day a week for 8 weeks so those of you who are unhappy at the thought of a gimmicky, free offer will be happy to know that the other 6 days of the week will still be open at the full entrance cost.

If the council wants to do their bit in the run up to the Olympics then what harm does it do to anyone? With the rising costs of living and all the gloom of recession can people just for once be a little happy and celebrate a good piece of news :-)

I'm all for helping people to live healthier lives. However, this looks more like a publicity stunt to try to rescue the reputation of a desperately unpopular council than a genuine attempt to do that. Shropshire Council's cabinet awarded themselves iPads and closed my children's school. They may be hoping that a couple of free swims and a bit of a party for the jubilee will make me forget this, but it won't. Their priorities are wrong and gimmicks like this one don't alter that. If they really want to promote health and well-being, why don't they overturn their cut to free meals-on-wheels? And why not keep our swimming pools publicly owned rather than selling them off, retaining control over prices so that people can afford to swim for the long term, not just for a couple of weeks in the run-up to the Olympics?

If it doesn`t cost anything more to staff, why did they cut the swimming for the pensioners?

Let them eat cake.....

To John Jones - lovely posting. I sent you a comment about your loss but was off mains and my battery ran out. It's a lousy time and it doesn't go away.

We had a very brief period of free swimming for children a year or so ago yet Wales have always provided free swimming for children and music lessons at school too.

Combined with their reduced university fees,no prescription charges and parking at hospitals, we look like we are right mugs living over the border in Shropshire.

Until 2009 when the new Tory Council took over, pensioners including my wife used the Quarry pool for free on a regular basis. This was stopped immediately when Councillor Barrow took over. Extra cost = £30 per month.

This concession is on one day a week for 8 weeks after which the private operator'Serco' take over so you can kiss goodbye to any concessions.

I guess we are supposed to be grateful for being at the 'cutting edge' of change, even if it simply means services now cost more, or are no longer provided including Day Centres for Adults, and the Reference Library.

I am a member of shrewsbury swimming baths and i would happily pay more each month if it then made the centre free for under 16s in the school holidays. Our kids need to be much fitter and healthier and swimming is ideal.