January 2003

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Wick Swimming Pool

Councillors at the Caithness Area Culture and Leisure Committee held earlier today (Monday 24 February) were told how the introduction of the High Life card scheme at Wick and Thurso swimming pools have resulted in increased usage and income at both centres.

The High Life card, first run by The Highland Council as a pilot scheme in Ross and Cromarty and Nairn, was launched in Caithness in September last year.  Councillors were told that from September to December 2002, usage at Wick swimming pool had increased by 3,429 and by 3,999 at the pool in Thurso compared to the same period the year before. Both facilities, which are run by The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Service, also showed a combined increase in income of �12,101 since the scheme had been introduced.

 Using the latest SMART card technology the High Life Card provides special benefits to all cardholders including deals for regular users, people looking for work, senior citizens and family groups. The scheme is very flexible providing different options to suit everyone's lifestyles and pockets.

One option customers have is to sign up for an All Inclusive package for which 1908 people in Caithness have already signed up for. This deal allows cardholders to visit any High Life swimming pool and leisure centre throughout the Highlands at any time they want to take part in which ever activity they like for just �12.50 a month for an individual or �17.50 per month for a whole family.  Cardholders can choose to set up a monthly direct debit or to pay the equivalent annual lump sum by cash, cheque or credit card.

Anyone on income support or job seekers allowance can apply for a Budget High Life card, which gives access for 50p per activity.  This can be paid on the day or cardholders can load up their cards when they like with any amount they want.

Another bonus is that all High Life cards can double up as library cards and be used to access lending material from any Highland library.

Councillor Tom Jackson, the Caithness Areas Culture and Leisure Committee Chairman said:  "We are delighted that since it was launched in Caithness last September the High Life card has proved to be very popular.  I believe this is down to very competitive pricing, great flexibility and the choice of payment methods.  The cards also offer complete confidentiality to all users.  All cards look the same so anyone eligible for a concession only needs to show proof of their entitlement when they apply for a card.  This information is stored on the card so there is no need for anyone to take along documents of proof every time they visit.  The fact that cardholders do not need to carry cash is also a great bonus - no more looking at the bottom of your bag for loose change or children losing cash.

"The Area Facilities Manager, George Sanders and all the staff involved at both Wick and Thurso should be congratulated for all their hard work and effort in promoting the scheme.  The figures for the first four months are very encouraging and show a 29% increase in usage at both the swimming pools. By improving opportunities for everyone to take part in leisure activities we are promoting healthy living and encouraging all ages to enjoy the many benefits of exercise and living active, healthy lives."

 Anyone wishing to find out more about the High Life card should contact either Wick or Thurso Swimming pool for further information.