Published Date:
29 February 2008
By Jo Hall
Saturday, 8am - PEOPLE who use The Meres leisure centre in Grantham are getting sub-standard service, according to angry customers who have contacted the Journal.
Mother-of-two Angeline Smith says her family swimming trip in half-term was ruined by poor customer service.
Mrs Smith said she called The Meres at 3pm to check the pool was open and was told it was, but arrived 40 minutes later to find it closed.
A chemical imbalance meant the pool had to be shut temporarily, but Mrs Smith said her daughters Lauren, 11, and Emma, seven, were disappointed they could not swim.
She said: "I was angry because no one had told us we couldn't swim and we made a special journey up the the centre.
"If SKDC is supposed to be having a service provided for the public at The Meres, they ought to be monitoring what is going on there and checking that everything is being run properly."
A former member, who cancelled her membership several months ago, said she received an intimidating phone call from Leisure Connection, which manages the centre, demanding money.
The woman, who does not want to be identified, said she was told to pay a month's membership fees as she had not cancelled her membership in writing, but informed staff at the front desk. Another former member the woman spoke to said she too received a similar call.
The woman, who refused to pay, said: "This is a foolish short-sighted way to treat customers.
"Anyone who has been contacted in this offensive and insulting way is extremely unlikely to renew a membership in future.
"Many customers have stayed very loyal over the years in spite of shortcomings in the running of the centre, but such loyalty is not infinite.
"I wondered if this is a last-ditch attempt to squeeze money out of customers before Leisure Connection's contract expires."
Another member, who does not want to be identified, wrote to the Journal complaining that male water polo players are allowed into the viewing area of the pool to wait for the ladies' only swim session on Monday nights to end before their training.
She said: "This makes us feel uncomfortable about leaving the pool. Why is it that things are still not changing at The Meres?"
Centre manager John Taylor, who took over four months ago, said improvements are being made and many of the issues raised have been dealt with.
He said: "Every person I saw who was affected by the pool closure that day were offered free swim passes and I would extend the same offer to this lady.
"I always welcome the opportunity to deal with issues as they arise and would encourage anybody to come and talk to me about any concerns they may have.
"I want people to leave the centre happy and we are trying to make it as accessible as possible for everyone."
Leisure Connection's contract expires on March 31 and contract negotiations with leisure providers are in their final stages.
A recommendation on the preferred provider will be taken to the district council's cabinet on March 25. The new contract will be awarded to a single provider for 15 years.
Are you a leisure centre member? Has the service improved or are you dissatisfied too? Click here to let us know what you think.
Leisure Centre customer Angeline Smith and her daughters Lauren (left) and Emma (front) were disappointed not to be able to go swimming. Photo: 6696K02
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Last Updated:
29 February 2008 4:06 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Grantham
