A DISABLED swimming club has pleaded with the operators of the pool it uses to consider reducing its fees to help keep it afloat.

Barry Beavers Disabled swimming club, which has 70 members on its books aged six months plus, said a double increase in fees – from £2,000 to £4,000 per year at Barry leisure centre - meant it was constantly treading water; having to find more ways of raising funds and increasing the financial burden on its disadvantaged members.

The club said the fees had increased since Parkwood Community Leisure began managing the facility on behalf of the Vale Council and talks with the group had proved unsuccessful.

The club enables members – with conditions such as cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome, learning difficulties and those recovering from strokes – to learn to swim with maximum safety and gain water awareness.

Members also take part in galas with similar clubs in South Wales.

The club also relies on charitable donations, raffles, car boot sales and voluntary help.

Secretary, coach and vice chairwoman Patricia Finch said: “The problem began when Parkwood took it on. It was Vale Council-subsidised before then.

“We don’t swim in August and in December-January to save money and we haven’t had a trip for two years because we can’t afford it. They all look forward to competing.”

Club administrator, Kaye Watts said: “We are forever trying to fund ourselves. We are all volunteers. I just wish they had a heart and lowered their fees. We are a charity. There is no-where else to go.”

James Webber, general manager, Parkwood Community Leisure which manages Barry Leisure Centre on behalf of the Vale Council, said: “Whilst all fees and charges at Barry Leisure Centre are made in accordance with our contract with the council, I would be very happy to meet with representatives of Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Club to discuss the fees along with the other points they have raised.”

The Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Club is one of the three of Vale mayor, Cllr Howard Hamilton’s nominated charities for the year 2014/15.