Westcroft a "rip off" say customers (From Sutton Guardian)

New Westcroft Leisure Centre in Sutton accused of hiding prices

1:10pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in News By James Pepper

New Westcroft Leisure Centre in Sutton accused of hiding prices

A new state-of-the-art leisure centre has agreed to change its advertised pricing after complaints from customers who felt they had been ripped off.

Visitors to the £11m Westcroft Leisure Centre have complained about what they see as hidden prices and over charging.

A scroll down to the Westcroft price list shows that customers should expect to pay £3.20 for a swim if they are members.

However what the price list did not show is that it would cost £4.50 if you are not a member.

One customer said as a result people were being "ambushed" into paying extra when they turned up at the centre.

Belinda Sinclair, 53, said: "I looked on the website and it says £3.20, so that is what you expect to pay. But when you get there it's £4.50, which a 40 per cent jump, it's shocking."

Another centre user Graham Smith, said his £29.50 induction to the gym was "laughable."

He said: "The gym induction is simply a tour of the equipment in large groups."

Mr Smith claimed that at no point during the sign up or induction was he told that the charge would be made, and that he would not be allowed to book further activities until it was paid.

He added: "I waited with great anticipation for the opening of the centre but my immediate experience of this facility has been so poor that I have already cancelled my membership and gone elsewhere."

James Bowden, Westcroft's general manager for Everyone Active, that runs the centre, said: "The new Westcroft leisure centre has been extremely popular with local people following its launch at the end of January.

"However, we do realise that with a new centre come some initial teething problems that can affect our visitors. In response to customer feedback we have also altered our published price lists. We are committed to on-going conversations with our members which is why we plan regular Q&A sessions with the manager at the centre. The next session will take place on March 6 at 8.15pm at Westcroft Leisure Centre."