Going to the gym could cost Preston residents more

The cost of going to the gym or having a swim in council-run leisure centres is set to rise.

A council report outlines how charges need to rise to reflect how the costs of providing the services is increasing.

Advertisements

An adult swim increases to £3.75 from £3.60, a child swim is up 25p to £2.10 and an OAP will need to pay 10p more each time.

A swimming membership paid by direct debit is now £240, up from £216. An annual membership rises £20.00 to £200 if paid in full.

Use of the fitness room is now £6.00 for adults, up by 20p. For juniors it rises to £3.60 from £3.15. Pensioners need to find an extra 20p, paying £4.00 per time.

For a peak membership card it is £384.00 if paid by direct debit, up by £12.00.

If paid annually it is £320.00, up by £10.00.

A young persons membership is now £264.00 up by £12.00.

A whole range of classes from body pump to shallow aqua will rise by 40p.

There will also be changes to the booking fees at the Guild Hall.

The transaction fee per booking increases by 50p per booking to £2.00.

While the booking fee of 50p per ticket for online and phone bookings has been removed.

The council report outlining the changes in fees expects nearly £50,000 more to be contributed to the Town Hall budget from the leisure service increases.

The change in fees at the Guild Hall and Harris Museum would raise £5,000 and £3,000 respectively.

Councillor Martyn Rawlinso, cabinet member for resources, told the Lancashire Evening Post the council needed to be careful not to price people out of leisure centres.

A spokesman for Preston Council said: “The council is reviewing all fees and charges in all areas as part of its efforts to achieve the £3m savings required over the next three years.

“Any additional income will help to offset the council deficit.”

The changes can now be called in by councillors if they want them to be scrutinised further. If not called in many of the new fees will increase from early April.

You can view the full report on the council website.

What do you think of the proposals and price changes? Do you use either Fulwood or West View Leisure Centres? Let us know in the comments below

Advertisements