by Will Davies Kids deprived of swimming will splash into action as a new pool opens in the borough. Brent is one of the worst places in the country for swimming, with only two pools – Vale Farm in Watford Road, North Wembley and Willesde

by Will Davies

Kids deprived of swimming will splash into action as a new pool opens in the borough.

Brent is one of the worst places in the country for swimming, with only two pools - Vale Farm in Watford Road, North Wembley and Willesden Sports Centre in Donnington Road, Willesden - available for primary school kids to learn to swim.

From next week 1,000 children will get intensive swimming lessons in a 12m x 6m temporary swimming pool set up at Preston Park Primary School in College Road, Wembley.

Kids from schools including Oakington Manor Primary School, St Joseph's RC Junior School and Wembley Manor Primary School will also be able to access it free of charge.

It is the ninth pool installation in the Pools 4 Schools Government initiative which has already achieved significant results in Birmingham, Sheffield and Manchester.

Pools 4 Schools was conceived and developed by Olympic bronze medallist, Steve Parry and is endorsed by the Amateur Swimming Association.

He said: "Brent is a key target area for this project, based mainly on the aquatic deprivation of the area's population. It will ensure that children are given an opportunity that they might otherwise not have had."

The programme will support young people achieve the National Curriculum target of swimming 25 metres and gain an understanding of water safety.

The 0.9m deep pool has been constructed in just four days and filled with 65,000 litres, to make sure it is ready for the start of the summer term.

It will be open for five weeks, from April 20 to May 24.

w.davies@archant.co.uk