A group of swimmers from Monmouthshire have set up a petition to argue against the proposal that Monmouthshire County Council will be cutting free swims for over 60s outside of term-time, as part of its 2014/15 budget cuts.

The four leisure centres across Monmouthshire will be affected - Abergavenny, Monmouth, Chepstow and Caldicot - and many older swimmers who use the facilities feel that this cut will have dire effects across the whole county.

The Welsh Government covers the cost of free swimming for under 16s and over 60s during term-time, but it is optional for local authorities to cover these groups during school holidays and Monmouthshire County Council has announced it may no longer offer this to the latter group.

The council has announced this possible cut in light of the budget cuts, and is estimated to save around £10,000 from next year's budget, but with swimming costing £1.80 per session, many frequent swimmers will be hit with quite a high price tag and Jennifer Robbins from Monmouth Swimmers fears this could lead to a reduction in those using the facilities.

Jennifer said, "I am angry about these cuts to the free swimming for over 60s, in light of how much the council seems willing to spend on hospitality, which more than matches the savings it expects to make from taking away what is so valuable to so many people, the ability to swim for free to stay motivated and healthy."

She also expressed dismay that the council has no plans to cut any free swimming for the under 16 group and that the elderly swimmers are already squeezed to early morning to allow the schools to use the pools.

Many of the swimmers have spoken out against the proposed cuts and explained how much swimming benefits their health and lifestyles.

Jennifer, who is leading Monmouth Swimmers in the campaign against these cuts, suffered from cancer and lymphoedema and says that since she began swimming she has cut down on her medication, lost weight and massively improved her health.

"Swimming has been a huge part of my recovery, and having these sessions free has made it a possibility for me to keep using the facilities every day and helped me to keep myself as fit and healthy as I can," she said.

"When you come every day like I do, having to pay for each session will have a price tag of around £12 a week, which I know that many people just cannot afford, and they will lose out on the huge benefits to their health because of this."

Others who use the facilities have also spoken out against these cuts. Elizabeth Hicks from the group suffers from back and shoulder problems and admits that swimming is the only exercise she can do and was recommended by her doctor. This is also the case for Faye McGrath, who has had chronic shoulder problems for years and relies on her swimming to keep her joints and muscles moving.

Because of this many members of Monmouth Swimmers, and those from the other elderly swimming groups across the area, have put together a petition to fight against these cuts from MCC, working towards 200 signatures, and last week arranged a small protest to make their concerns known.

The protesters carried signs claiming 'Free Swims not Free Pimms', relating to the excessive hospitality budget that was claimed earlier this year, and 'Con Consultation is a Farce', hitting back at the fact that the leisure centres have already given notice of the removal of free swimming and cuts in public swimming.

But the county council has since insisted that no moves have officially been made to remove the service and that the final decision will be a democratic vote taken by all councillors on February 27.

County councillor Bob Greenland, cabinet member for leisure, defended the possibility of the cuts.

"We are about to set the most challenging budget since the Second World War," he said. "The cuts in funding from the Welsh Government over the next few years are unprecedented. Our meetings across the county with residents have shown that, while no-one wants to pay more, they would prefer that to losing valuable services.

"We have tried to share the pain by asking those who can afford it to pay a little more.

" For those over 60, paying £1.80 in school holidays only while enjoying free swimming in term-time seems reasonable under the circumstances. For those on low incomes concessions are available."

But Labour leader, Councillor Dimitri Batrouni (pictured) has offered his support for the swimmers, and has announced that the Labour group would avoid cutting this with its proposed alternative budget.

Councillor Batrouni said, "This cut by the Conservatives doesn't make sense. It's a false economy.

"We need to keep people active and healthier for longer. If we don't, then our health and care services pick up the tab.

"The Labour group believes in keeping Monmouthshire's residents active for as long as possible and that is why we won't make this cut in our alternative budget."

Mr Batrouni also said that these savings will be found through cuts to the hospitality budgets and private consultations.

Jennifer Robbins expressed her delight at receiving support from Councillor Batrouni, and hoped that the council was true to its word, and had not made the decision to cut this valuable service for the over 60s in Monmouthshire.

Jennifer added, "This decision should really be a no brainer. There is widespread concern about the cost of obesity, inactivity and lack of mobility, and the council should be encouraging more older people to swim.

"This will reduce the cost of social care, and to the NHS.

"We have evidence of this among our swimmers who feel fitter and have cancelled surgeries and reduced their medication. I hope the council recognises this and makes the right decision"

•To sign the petition by the Monmouth Swimmers or for more information about the work they are doing, see monmouthswimmers.com