THE new operator of a number of Oxfordshire leisure centres has had second thoughts about a price hike for pensioners.

London-based not-for-profit firm GLL took over running 11 council-owned leisure centres across the south of the county on September 1.

In October it raised the OAP swimming membership at Wantage Leisure Centre from £135 to £165. But, following questions from the Oxford Mail about the reasons behind the decision, the firm said the price had gone back down.

However, GLL is reviewing all membership prices and there could be further changes from April next year.

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Pensioner Bill Cosgrave of Roman Way, Wantage, branded the price rise as “incredible”, and welcomed the firm’s change of heart. The grandfather-of-two, 73, has been swimming at Wantage Leisure Centre since 1997 on his GP’s recommendations following two hip replacements.

He said: “I’m touched by their decision. The manager at Wantage Leisure Centre has been trying to get the older folks in and the staff are lovely.”

He said he hoped GLL would recognise the value of older customers, adding: “Every family has a granddad or grandmother who could be a member.”

The company had said the increase in membership price reflected the fact that members would now be able to use all 11 of its centres.

But spokeswoman Carole Pendle said: “In response to customer feedback, with immediate effect, GLL will be making available the £135 OAP annual swimming membership to new customers who wish to swim exclusively at Wantage Leisure Centre, in addition to existing customers who already hold this membership.

“For those who wish to swim in a variety of different environments, we will continue to offer our recently launched £165 OAP annual swimming membership, which gives access to all GLL-operated swimming pools across both South Oxfordshire and the Vale of the White Horse.”

When Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils awarded GLL a contract to run their leisure centres, they said users would benefit from a “more efficient” joint contract.

Neither council responded to the Oxford Mail’s request for a comment on the issue of prices.

LEISURE CENTRES

THE 10-year joint leisure management contract covers the following leisure centres:

  • Abbey Meadow Outdoor Swimming Pool and Water Feature, Abingdon
  • Abbey Sports Centre, Berinsfield
  • Didcot Wave Leisure Pool
  • Didcot Leisure Centre
  • Faringdon Leisure Centre
  • Henley Leisure Centre
  • Thame Leisure Centre
  • Riverside Park and Pools, Wallingford
  • Park Sports Centre, Wheatley
  • Wantage Leisure Centre
  • White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, Abingdon

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