Further information on the "cleanliness" or any other issues, such as price increases (see below) are invited from centre users. PB

Monthly opportunities to quiz operators on the running of the City’s swimming pool and Perdiswell Sports centre are due to continue following Leisure Connection’s second ‘customer forum’ at the Sansome Walk baths this week.

“We held two well-attended sessions and I also took a number of calls throughout the day, out of which several very good ideas emerged from regular users” commented Leisure Connection’s locally-based Contracts Manager Steve Huxtable who’s been in control of improvements at both locations since £3 million upgrading and renovation works began in the summer following a 101/2-year management deal between the City Council and the Hertfordshire-based sports management company.

“Issues involving communications, changing facilities, cleanliness, external access, lighting, signage and concessions were all voiced by regulars of the pool and I was able to answer most – if not quite all – of their questions. It was a valuable two-way exercise that we’re keen to see continue, and we will be acting on all of the suggestions put forward by those who voiced a concern” he commented.

As a direct result of this week’s two ‘open door’ sessions – the first held with early morning swimmers at 8am and the second at 7pm – Leisure Connection is already taking steps to improve monitoring during the change-over from early-morning sessions to the first school’s visit, and is also putting in hand the siting of five new information boards to promote improved communications. 

More prominent signage to men’s and women’s toilet and shower facilities is also set to be implemented prior to the baths’ formal re-opening on February 1st and concessions for over-65’s as well as opportunities to pay subscriptions in cash rather than direct debit are being put in hand following specific requests from regulars.

According to Steve Huxtable, original concerns over the pool’s dual-use changing facilities have also been allayed now that users have had the opportunity to see the changing suites for themselves – though, he adds, the company is in the process of raising cubicle partitions as the result of an earlier forum with users.

The City Council’s recently appointed Leisure Champion Neil Monkhouse has hailed the initiative as ‘a major nod in the direction of effective public relations…’

11.10.02  OAP'S SWIM PRICE FURY from http://www.thisisworcestershire.co.uk/worcestershire/archive/2002/10/11/wen_news_latest25ZM.html  

PENSIONERS and youngsters have been hit in the pocket by bosses at a city swimming pool, who have increased prices by up to 50 per cent. Until this week, the cost of a concessionary swim at Sansome Walk Swimming Pool was automatically £1.20 for all children, students and pensioners. This has now been scrapped.

The new rate will still be £1.20 for people on a low income, such as those claiming JobSeeker's Allowance. If not, the cost is £1.80 if the swimmer has bought a £5 annual advantage card, and without the card it is £2.40 - the same as a non-concessionary swim.

For youngsters whose parents are on a low income the charge remains £1.20. With an advantage card it is £1.80, but without it, the price rockets to £2.40.

"One source at the swimming pool has told me attendance has already dropped," said pensioner John Pedley, who swims three times a week... The price of an adult swim has not increased at all, but pensioners and children use the pool the most and they are being targeted. This is an appalling increase."

The price rise caught Mr Pedley unaware as he said there were no warning notices at the pool... "They do offer one back-handed concession in that if you buy an annual pass the tickets are £1.80 per swim, but that is still a 50 per cent increase." ...

Nigel Mansfield, sport and recreation manager at Worcester City Council, said the overhaul was in line with the Audit Commission guidelines. "Some people in higher education and over 60 are not on low incomes, but if you are, then you will get a reduction to £1.20. If not, then you still get 25 per cent off."

Leisure Connection, which is responsible for the running of the pool, was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.