Cash-strapped Southampton City Council is looking to scrap its free swimming scheme for youngsters, but splash out on a new media consultant. The council is currently drawing up plans for next year's budget, and has selected kids' free swimming as a possible saving of £160,000 next year. At the same time, the council's chief executive, Brad Roynon, has recommended taking on a media consultant for 12 months, at a cost of £100,000, to improve the council's image. He said: ‘There is an impression the council is not always telling its story well in the media and that it could take a more proactive approach to bring this about.' A council spokesman said: ‘The recommendation is part of our pre-budget report and has yet to be approved.'
