The free swim sessions began in April last year, aimed at boosting the health of youngsters and OAPs, and councils around the country being given cash by the then Labour government to fund the free places.

Wyre Council received £140,000 to fund the fres swim sessions at Garstang, Poulton and Fleetwood.

But now the coalition government has halted the funding eight months earlier than the original March 2011 cut off date, and the free swims will end on Saturday (July 31).

Altogether 32,366 people took advantage of a free swims across Wyre, 9,702 of them at Garstang pool. Birch Road.

Wyre's leisure boss, Coun Lynne Bowen said: "No one is more frustrated than the council that the plug is being pulled on free swimming earlier than planned, especially as it proved particularly popular in Wyre.

"Altogether more than 32,000 people took advantage of the free offer and with the financial pressures that all public sector organisations are now facing, we simply cannot afford to fund such a high number of free swims ourselves.

"We will of course continue to offer subsidised rates where we can to the over 60s, juniors and others on low incomes.

Hopefully this will encourage people to carry on the good work they've already done through regular swimming."

The issue is to be raised at tomorrow's meeting of Wyre Council by Labour leader Coun Clive Grunshaw

He said: "The decision of the present Coalition Government to end the scheme eight months early is very regrettable.

"While we all understand the need to make efficiencies the reality is that many elderly people were given access to a healthier lifestyle that has now been withdrawn. "

The council is now promoting a Wyre Access discount scheme available all year round to the over 60s, students over 16, benefit recipients and people who have been referred via their GP. The card also extends to fitness and relaxation classes, gyms and sports courts.

Mike Vernon, Wyre Leisure Director for Fylde Coast YMCA, commented: "However we are already looking at ways to ensure that swimming is still an attractive and affordable activity option for all ages.

"In addition to the Access card, throughout August we shall be promoting a fantastic offer which keeps swimming at a low cost for parents and adults."

*Details of entry charges and the Access scheme are available from all Fylde Coast YMCA centres or online at www.fyldecoastymca.org