Turkish Baths Harrogate has been accused of discriminating against women by halving the number of single-sex sessions.
From May, the baths will reduce the number of women-only and men-only weekly sessions from two each to one.
Staff have said in emails to customers it is a business decision based on low numbers at one of the men-only sessions.
They say the decision to cut one of the men-only sessions means it’s necessary to do the same with one women-only session to maintain fairness.
Consequently, the daytime session devoted exclusively to females will no longer exist — even though it is popular.
Regular customer Francine Holroyd said the decision was “fundamentally wrong” and unfair on women.
She said female-only sessions were consistently well attended and provided a safe space for women of all backgrounds.
Ms Holroyd said:
“I’m very worried for a lot of Muslim ladies and others like myself who go on their own and would not go to a mixed session. It is fundamentally wrong.
“I do believe it is discriminatory as it means there will only be an evening session available to women. The Turkish Baths offers a safe place for women of all ethnic backgrounds to meet together and relax.
“If one of these sessions is removed it means that it reduces by 50% women’s access to spaces for women only. Women travel from all over Yorkshire to enjoy the Turkish Baths in a safe, female friendly environment.”
The Turkish baths on Parliament Street
Ms Holroyd, who is chair of governors at Harrogate Ladies’ College, said the loss of the daytime single-sex session would particularly affect women because, as they provide most childcare, they had more free time during the day to attend such things before school pick-up rather than in the evening. She added:
“Surely the decision should be a commercial one — i.e. the two ladies-only sessions are full so keep them.”
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Katie Summersall, Turkish Baths manager, said:
“Following a successful trial, a new operational model is set to be introduced at Turkish Baths Harrogate.
“From May 1, guests will be able to book a timeslot set for every 30 minutes and will be able to spend up to two hours in the baths. This will mean there will be less of a wait at the start and end of each session as guests will no longer all need to arrive and leave at the same time.
“Two single-sex sessions will also be removed (on Thursday and Friday), meaning more customers will be able to access the baths throughout the week.”
Nude ban remains
Ms Summersall also said the baths had “decided that swimwear will remain compulsory at all public sessions”.
Clothing-optional sessions ended last month after a complaint was made to police about “inappropriate behaviour”. No further details were released.
North Yorkshire Police said at the time enquiries were at an early stage and ongoing.
The Stray Ferret asked for an update. A police spokesperson said:
“There’s no update, enquiries are ongoing.”