I refer to the letter about the Passport to Health scheme as raised by George Marlow (OAPs should be able to go swimming for free', Times Group, May 24).

Mr Marlow has been rather mischievous in his correspondence and I would like to set the record straight.

I was keen to attend the meeting to which Mr Marlow refers to discuss changes to the health swim scheme, but was unable to because of the short notice given to me and work commitments.

The scheme is to be called the '50+ Health Swim' and times of use will continue as before, from 10am to noon and from 2pm to 4pm on weekdays.

A specific set of cards has been ordered which will be issued to all 50+ Health Swim participants.

The cost of the card will be £50 per annum. The card will remain separate from the Leisure Card Scheme and will only be available from the pools.

All Barnet community members who are 50 years of age and over can use the pools at the discounted rate within the approved time.

Councillor Susette Palmer,

Barnet Council cabinet member for community development