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Security cut at the Meres - even though yobs are running amok
Friday, 2pm - MANAGERS of Grantham's Meres Leisure Centre have cut back on security at a time when anti-social behaviour is reportedly through the roof.
Friday, 2pm - MANAGERS of Grantham's Meres Leisure Centre have cut back on security at a time when anti-social behaviour is reportedly through the roof.The news came as more readers got in touch to vent their anger at the "disgraceful" facilities following last week's Journal investigation.
We reported how we challenged bosses after an undercover investigation of swimming facilities unearthed mould, rust, litter, closed facilities, the foul odour of urine and rampaging yobs.
And now it has been revealed that the one security guard contracted to alleviate anti-social behaviour during evenings and peak times has been shown the door.
One distraught mother contacted the Journal on Monday after intimidation by teenage thugs left her shaken.
The anonymous parent said: "The place is over-run by yobs effing and blinding.
"On my way in last night, they were jumping on the car park barrier and shouting terrible, obscene things at me and my child."
Readers have added fuel to the fire this week, critising Leisure Connection management, staff shortages and lack of public swimming during evenings.
Leisure Connection runs the leisure centre on behalf of South Kesteven District Council. Both parties meet fortnightly to discuss problems.
Report anti-social behaviour on freephone 0800 183 0279.
The full response from Leisure Connection and SKDC:
Mike Darlison, regional manager at Leisure Connection, said: "We are extremely proud to work with South Kesteven District Council on delivering a truly inclusive and very extensive timetable of swimming and sporting activities for all sections of the community in Grantham. Last week, we had over 8,500 visitors to the Meres Leisure Centre, during which time we received two formal complaints. South Kesteven District Council also has three other leisure centres – Stamford, Deepings and Bourne – bringing our visitor total to more than 20,000 last week.
"We take any complaints from our customers very seriously and it is important that we learn from these to make sure that the service improves. When any concerns are raised we're obviously anxious to resolve them as quickly as we can.
"Some of the problems identified should have been remedied sooner but we have now put in place a number of measures to resolve the issues raised.
We continually strive to minimise pool closures as we know how disappointing it can be for our visitors. These can often be for essential cleaning purposes for example if someone is ill in the pool, but occasionally if a lifeguard is sick we have to close the pool until we can ensure the necessary number of lifeguards are on duty. Safety is our first priority. We will be putting in place improved contingency plans to cover short notice staff absences.
"Our teams regularly walk-the-floor to monitor and maintain the cleanliness of the facility. We will also be introducing a cleaning monitoring system similar to those used in many other public places which will provide a clear guide as to when areas were last inspected and cleaned.
"We review our security requirements on a weekly basis and a security guard will be in place as long as it is required."
Paul Stokes, SKDC's head of resources and organisational development, said: "Leisure Connection manages four leisure centres on our behalf and we will continue to work very closely with them on these specific complaints to ensure that they are rectified as quickly as possible. We will closely monitor the centre to continually improve all aspects of the service and will carry on meeting every fortnight with the management team at the Meres. We also work closely with our community safety team about any reported incidents of antisocial behaviour. If members of the public have any concerns about anti-social behaviour, either outside the centre or in the surrounding area please report it on our freephone number 0800 183 0279."
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The Meres Leisure Centre is in the midst of a row over poor management,
cleanliness and teenage yobbish behaviour.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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