Subscription payments frozen for Tendring leisure centre members

Membership payments for Tendring District Council (TDC) leisure centre users will be frozen for April.

All TDC leisure centres currently remain open, in line with government advice to provide public facilities for exercise and keeping active, with the situation under regular review.

Steps have been taken to further protect staff and leisure centre users such as regular deep cleaning regimes and smaller and less frequent gym classes.

Members’ fees for April will be frozen, no matter if they have a direct debit, annual membership or pay cash monthly. Decisions on future payments will be taken on a monthly basis.

Those who pay annually will have the frozen period of time added on to the year-end date.

In addition, swimming lessons and ‘dryside’ courses will be postponed, and pupils will hold their current slot. Customers will have all their lessons carried over to the next ten-week course, once things return to normal.

Alex Porter, TDC Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said it was a small gesture for the council that could have a big impact for members.

“We had already offered to freeze membership payments, recognising not everyone would want to use leisure centres at the moment, but we were concerned not everyone would get the message in time,” Cllr Porter said.

“With this in mind, we have taken the decision to freeze all membership payments so that nobody, and especially not our regular customers, is disadvantaged in this difficult time.

“We want to send a strong message that we are standing with the Tendring community, ready to face whatever challenges the Covid-19 pandemic may bring.”

Cllr Neil Stock OBE, TDC Leader, added: “We know from the positive messages received that to many residents our leisure facilities are a lifeline, and this decision will allow them to maintain their health and wellbeing during this time.

“This is one of a number of steps we are taking to support the community, which also includes a rent holiday for community groups using our buildings under the CAROS scheme.”

For more information about Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the TDC response, visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus

NEWSDESKS

For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.