‘Mind-boggling’ hike in OAP swim pool fee
Leisure chiefs blame huge rise in gas prices
LEISURE chiefs have defended “mindboggling” hikes in the cost of swimming for pensioners at one of its sites – as gas price inflation takes its toll.
Rossendale Leisure Trust (RLT) say they “recognise the significant cost of living crisis” hitting residents in the pocket, after announcing increased fees for some of its activities from May.
Whitworth resident David Greenwood hit out at a jump in fees at the town’s pool, whose lease the Trust took over from Community Leisure Association Whitworth (CLAW) in March 2021 along with The Ashcroft (formerly Riverside).
Mr Greenwood, of Masseycroft, told the Free Press: “The current OAP swim is £2, rising to £4. A multi swim voucher was buy ten pay for eight, [which] cost £20.
“Now it’s going to be buy ten get two free, but costs a mind boggling £40. It’s a scandal.”
The Leisure Trust say over the past year, they have worked hard “to positively align processes between Marl Pits and Whitworth Leisure Centre to improve the consistency of customer experience and secure the long term sustainability of leisure venues in the valley.”
A spokesperson added: “Part of this process has involved aligning prices across the Valley’s facilities.
“The concession price for swimming at Whitworth pool has been static for three years at £2.50 a swim; which was less than at other sites.
“The rapid increase in gas prices disproportionately impacts swimming pools, and we have received a 400 per cent increase in gas prices - equating to hundreds of thousands of pounds per year. This is one of many factors that has led to our decision to reluctantly increase the price of some activities from the 1st May 2022.” The Trust added that they have been able to retain membership prices (which provide unlimited access to gym, swimming and group exercise classes) at the current price, including a concessionary rate for those of pensionable age, adding that as an example if an older person with a membership swam three times a week on average, this would be equivalent to £2.30 per visit with additional unlimited access to other activities available.
The spokesperson said: “We recognise the significant cost of living crisis being experienced by communities and are working hard to balance our ongoing principle of providing affordable accessible leisure opportunities for all, with ensuring facilities are sustainable and remain open to local people into the longer term.
“Whilst the pricing structures have changed slightly, our teams can assist customers to find options that allow them to benefit from the activities they enjoy at an affordable level.”
“We have received a 400 per cent increase in gas prices - equating to hundreds of thousands of pounds per year.”