Members threaten to leave leisure centre

Oldham Leisure Centre

HEALTH fanatics struggling to find rest and relaxation because of poor facilities at one of Oldham's top leisure centres could leave if things do not improve, a member has warned.

A member of Oldham Leisure Centre (OLC), who wished to stay anonymous, said facilities around the pool and sauna are so poor that visitors feel the centre is taking 'the mickey' and may leave when their membership runs out.

Frustration has arisen since a cold shower - used to rinse people off after the sauna - has been out of action for the past two months and was faulty for four months prior to that.

As a result, people, some with poor mobility, are traversing the swimming pool in a bid to cool off, which the member said has caused concerns among customers about health and safety and hygiene.

They also said that members felt there were issues regarding a lack of seating in the area to allow people to rest, poor cleanliness and cracked and broken tiles in the pool.

However, despite complaints, the member said their concerns have been brushed off on numerous occasions.

With regards to why the shower was out of order, excuses of requiring parts from Norway, to not fixing it because someone had vandalised it to it being under warranty so they couldn't touch it have been given, the member claimed.

The member said: "There are a lot of people who are really up in arms about the swimming pool and sauna area.

"Without the cold shower people are resorting to going into the swimming pool to cool off which can be dangerous for those who are less mobile and it is unhygienic.

He said: "People have been very patient and they have complained but no notice has been taken at all.

"What people have said is that they will not renew their membership, it really is a disgrace and it feels like they are taking the mickey.

"What really gets up your nose is when they start talking about how great and wonderful the centre is and then they have stuff like this going on."

He added: "I think what is possibly the most important issue is that this is one of the few places where people of different ethnic groups come together and mix. There is no aggro at all.

"Everyone gets on with each other and it's good for social integration.

"But if people are going to leave then that won't happen."

Oldham Community Leisure said that they are working with the relevant parties to resolve the issues as soon as possible.