Leisure centre price hikes on the way

**Leisure centre price hikes on the way**

Bosses at Perdiswell Leisure Centre in Worcester are seeking to raise fees from January.

Inflation-beating price rises are set to hit the large Worcester leisure centre, with operators pointing to higher energy and staffing costs.

The cost of an adult swim at Perdiswell Leisure Centre could climb by 6.8% — from £7.30 to £7.80 — if the new charges are approved.

Fitness class prices would rise by 5.6% to £9.50, while annual memberships would increase by 4.9%.

Freedom Leisure, which runs the site, said staffing and energy bills were increasing faster than income as Worcester City Council was asked to approve the new prices.

A report on the proposed rises, which are above the UK's 3.6% inflation rate, said energy costs had more than doubled in recent years despite attempts to reduce consumption.

If councillors approve them at a meeting at the end of November, the average fee at Perdiswell Leisure Centre would go up by 5.3% from January.

Matt Wickham, from Freedom Leisure, said things are "tough" for the whole leisure industry.

Hiring the artificial pitch at Perdiswell, which currently costs £44 an hour, would become 10% more expensive, although the council said it would still be much cheaper than similar pitches elsewhere in the city.

Matt Wickham, Freedom Leisure's chief operating officer, said the company had faced "significant cost increases", with gas prices rising by more than 50% in the second half of the year and minimum wages increasing year on year.

"It's really tough because we know people are feeling the pinch in different ways, but our priority is all about offering a value-for-money service to people from all walks of life," he said.

He added that the government should look at "immediate financial support" to help the leisure industry over the next 12 months, along with continued investment in leisure centre stock.

If approved, the increases would also apply at St John's Sports Centre and Nunnery Wood Sports Complex, both owned by Freedom Leisure.

Gym users at Perdiswell had mixed reactions to the proposed rises, with some saying they were not surprised.

Sue Guest said: "I've had two hip replacements so I come and do the aqua swim, it's very beneficial to me.

"It would be a shame if they increase it, but then they (the operators) have their own expenses as well.

"I think it's still reasonable value for money, actually."

Colin English, a pensioner, said: "I use the gym quite a lot, I come at least four or five times a week.

"They put the price up last year – if they do it again by these sorts of amounts I may have to reconsider because it's getting expensive."

Another gym user called Vinny added: "It feels like everything is going up in price at the moment.

"I'd never stop going though, this gym is important to me so I really don't mind."

A final decision is due on 24 November, subject to discussions at two city council committees before then.