FREE swimming for over 60s and under 16s will finish at the end of next week.

The Labour government introduced the scheme just over a year ago but the Government has scrapped it in a bid to help reduce the nation's deficit.

The coalition has pulled the plug on conessions at local pools but local authorities could continue the scheme if they could fund it themselves.

Redbridge Council has chosen not to keep the scheme going as it would cost about £200,000 a year to fund.

John Sharrock, chairman of Redbridge Swimmers' Association, said: "I find it a very difficult topic because if your neighbour was broke and he started giving money away, what would you think?

"You would think he was an idiot and that was what the Government did and I don't think they could afford it."

Mr Sharrock, who lives in Barkingside, said the scheme saved him about £300 a year.

Mr Sharrock said: "I was not against free swimming for anybody if it can be afforded but it's ludicrous when the country can't treat the sick or look after 101 other different things."

He added: "There were quite a few older people I know who go because of the concession.

"A lot of elderly people adopt the attitude that apart from a and bus pass they get nothing from Government so they thought (free swimming) was a good idea."

Mr Sharrock, who swims at Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre in Barkingside, said it is a bigger travesty that the borough only has the one public swimming pool.

Janet Cornish, of Tennyson Avenue, Wanstead, has previously campaigned for more swimming pools in the borough.

She said: "When you're of a certain age it really makes a difference.

"It's terrible and there will be a lot of disappointed people who normally go."

A spokeswoman for the council said: "The national scheme offering free swimming to residents aged 60 and over and 16 and under comes to an end on July 31.

"The Government has announced it will be discontinuing the initiative as part of wide ranging cost saving measures.

"This will mean all residents will need to pay the relevant charges to swim at Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre from August 1."