Bolton Council announced on 24 February 2026 that all armed forces veterans and residents over 65 in the borough will receive free, unlimited access to local leisure centres. This new initiative removes previous time restrictions for older residents, allowing them to use the facilities at any time of the day to stay active and healthy.
Before this change, residents over 65 could only use the centres for free after 9:30 AM. Council Leader Nick Peel confirmed the update during a meeting this week, explaining that the move is a way to thank those who have served the country and the local community.
The service will be managed by the Bolton Middlebrook Leisure Trust starting in April 2026. The trust is taking over the contract from Serco and will oversee facilities including Horwich Leisure Centre, Farnworth Leisure Centre, Westhoughton Community Leisure Centre, Leverhulme Park Community Centre, and the Jason Kenny Centre at Bolton One.
The decision follows the council receiving a gold award for its support of the armed forces community in 2025. By providing round-the-clock access to local leisure centres, the council aims to help veterans of all ages and older residents improve their physical and mental wellbeing through regular exercise.
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