Witney News - Discount scheme to support service families extended

Discount scheme to support service families extended

A scheme to encourage military families to integrate into the local community through discounted memberships at West Oxfordshire leisure centres has been extended due to its popularity.

The initiative in support of the Armed Forces Communities Covenant entitles military families discounts of up to 30 per cent on leisure centre activities. This includes swimming, group exercise classes, racquet sports and the Gym as well as priority and online booking at all of the GLL Better-run leisure centres in the district.

The scheme, initially launched in March for a three-month period, has now been extended until December after almost 150 people signed-up.

Cllr Langridge, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The district is home to the largest RAF station in the country and service personnel and their families play an important part of life in West Oxfordshire. They have always been welcomed locally and we are keen to do all we can to help service personnel settle in and feel a part of our community as well as enjoy living here.”

Flight Officer Michael Masters said: “RAF Brize Norton is thankful for the support from West Oxfordshire District Council. We are continually working on new ways to forge close liaisons with the local community and businesses. This initiative will provide additional facilities and service to the local military personnel, MOD employees and their dependants, located in the West Oxfordshire district community.”

The Armed Forces Covenant aims to encourage support for families from the armed forces and promote activities that help them integrate into local life.

For more information and to pick up an application form, service personnel and their families can call 01993 861981 or visit any of West Oxfordshire’s leisure centres, based in Carterton, Chipping Norton, Eynsham or Witney (Windrush Leisure Centre).