Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
30
Oct
‘Paying extra to jump the queue’: Anger over changes at North Yorkshire gyms
A petition has been launched against an “unfair” £5 additional charge introduced at North Yorkshire Council gyms this month.
The new Plus scheme gives members priority booking for classes and access to an online service that includes remote GP consultations, mental health support and nutrition advice.
The changes form part of a wider pricing review across the council’s Active North Yorkshire sites.
The authority says the review aims to “establish a fair, consistent, and more equitable membership structure across all sites” while helping to “unlock greater commercial potential for significant growth”.
But the petition says members feel “disappointed and frustrated” by the changes and urges the council to rethink its decision.
It says:
Some longstanding members already saw a fairly substantial increase to their membership price in September. Now, North Yorkshire Council has introduced an added tier of membership.
It feels unjust and contrary to the spirit of a community-driven environment to prioritise those who can afford to pay more to get better access.
The one fundamental thing we all want is fair access to our local leisure facilities, which are now even less available when a privileged tier gets early access to book exercise classes which are already over-subscribed. Local leisure centres are intended to serve the entire community, not just those who can easily afford it.
If the petition gets 500 signatures it will be debated by the council.
Booking race
A member who uses the council-run Jack Laugher Centre in Ripon said the new charge had caused upset. “You will never get into a yoga class now if you don’t have Plus membership,” she added.
The campaign has also received backing from councillor Matt Walker, the Liberal Democrat representative for Knaresborough West, who criticised the introduction of the additional charge.
He said:
Paying extra to jump the queue isn't fair—it’s a cash grab by North Yorkshire Council
I completely agree with residents speaking out against North Yorkshire Council’s two-tier leisure memberships. Public leisure facilities should be for everyone, not just those who can afford an extra £6 a month.
The real issue the council is ignoring? We simply don’t have enough classes for the number of members.
Plus, the frustrating 'fastest finger first' booking scramble needs fixing — it should be a fair queue for all.
Cllr Walker said he would raise the subject with the council’s housing and leisure committee, of which he is a member.
2