FREE swimming for under-16s and over-60s in Taunton and Wellington’s council pools will not return.

Cllr Ross Henley (LibDem), Taunton Deane Council Opposition leader, presented a 1,500-signature petition to yesterday’s council meeting asking the authority to reinstate the initiative, which ended last month.

Mr Henley, who claimed 9,000 people used the scheme, said: “Taunton Deane Tories’ decision to scrap the scheme is incredibly mean and uncaring.

“So many people have told me they won’t now swim as much to keep fit.”

Council leader Cllr John Williams (Con) said the LibDems wanted to reinstate free swimming without identifying any funding.

“With the parlous state of the economy, there just isn’t the money,” added Mr Williams, who said there was no choice after the Government withdrew funding for free swimming.

*SOMERSET County Council’s decision to not fund the pedestrianisation of Taunton town centre as part of wide-ranging cuts was slammed by Mr Henley.

He wanted the Deane to save the project by stumping up £200,000.

Mr Williams said: “The county say they can’t justify it in these difficult financial times.

“They want to see the Third Way – a road linking Wellington Road and Bridge Street – open to see how it relieves traffic in North Street.

“Mr Henley requested to use unspecified Deane funds to do the county’s duties.”

*BUSINESSMAN Brian Haimes has criticised plans to convert the 62-space Castle Green car park, in Taunton, into a public open space.

Work on a grassed and paved area for markets, shows and performances starts in January.

Mr Haimes said there had been no consultation with neighbouring businesses – all but one of 56 firms he surveyed said they had not been approached and opposed the development.

Mr Williams said: “It’s been the subject of different forms of consultation and publicity over a long period and been through a rigorous planning process.”

Mr Williams added that demand on town car parks had dropped since the opening of Taunton’s two park and ride schemes.