Price rise at centre is blasted
Dad hits out at huge hike
North Lanarkshire Leisure have been blasted for a dramatic price hike for their sports classes.
Wishaw dad Steven Nelson wrote to council chiefs following an increase of almost 90 per cent in his annual costs.
Steven’s daughter attends run, jump, throw and gymnastics classes at Wishaw Sports Centre but says soaring costs are putting him off.
In a letter to NL Leisure, Steven said: “Payment for each 10-week block was around £35 per class per block.
“Allowing for summer holidays and other breaks throughout the year I think there would have been four blocks of 10 classes meaning my annual cost for both classes would have been £280 or thereabouts.
“With annual inflation – assumed at five per cent – added I would have expected to be setting up a DD (direct debit) for around £24.50 per month.
“Based on what am I seeing, my DD will in actual fact be £ 43.98 per month for the same classes.
“This means my annual cost has risen by £233.76 – 88 per cent – which I find completely unacceptable.”
Steven admitted he was pleased at having the option to pay by direct debit but was not thrilled at the increase.
He said: “I am delighted to see the introduction of this option, with membership of the class remaining in place until cancelled rather than expiring every 10 weeks.
“What does puzzle me, though, are the prices being quoted and the fact that NL Leisure seem so be promoting this is a great idea.”
A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Leisure said: “As a result of reduction to our core funding and increase in operating costs we have had to review our price point to ensure these programmes remain financially sustainable.
“We are doing all we can to continue to offer the range and quality of services that are our customers expect within well maintained facilities and delivered by highly qualified staff.”
I would have been expecting to setting up a direct debit for around £24.50 per month. My DD will be £43.98 for the same classes