‘Disgraceful way to treat the staff’

Members contacted the KE this week expressing their surprise and disappointment at news of the closure.

Angela McFarlane, an ALT member for five years, said: “I’m a member of the Stour Centre. I have dual membership, which allows me to use Kingsnorth Recreation Centre also. I am appalled at the way the receptionists and the instructors have been treated.

“We were informed on Monday that the takeover plans had fallen through, and the centre will be closing on Friday.

“All the staff have financial commitments. To be given five days notice that they potentially could be unemployed is a disgrace.

“What’s the point in having a large building, in the community, being underused?”

Another member, Sarah Owen, said: “I’ve only been a member for a month. When I joined I was told the centre was being taken over and we’d get April’s membership free while the changeover took place.

“I have always shied away from the gym in the past, but Kingsnorth was so friendly and welcoming I became instantly hooked.

“I feel mostly for the lovely staff and for all the patrons who have been members for years.

“Just seems so sad that a lovely community centre like this will close.

“This is surely the kind of place every community needs to build health, well-being and camaraderie.

“I’m sure the older members will miss getting out and socialising.”