Letter: Left to repent at my leisure
Correspondent • Published 16 Sep 2010 09:30
0 Comments
Rivermead Leisure Centre was closed to the public and its members for five days over August Bank Holiday because it was being used in connection with Reading Festival.
As a paying member I asked how the refund for those five days would be repaid. I was told, “GLL don’t give refunds.” (GLL is the company that runs Rivermead on behalf of Reading Borough Council).
I was also told that if I wasn’t happy about this, I could cease my membership. I would imagine that it’s illegal to charge for services and then refuse to give refunds if those services are cancelled by the provider.
If it’s not illegal it’s certainly immoral, and this is no way to treat loyal members, many of whom have been members for years.
It’s time GLL gave Rivermead’s members the respect they deserve and paid them the refund that’s due.
Mary Askew
Priest Hill, Caversham
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A spokesman for Rivermead responds: "There are a number of practical reasons why Rivermead Leisure Centre is closed during the Reading Festival.
"Firstly, the centre is used as a control base for emergency monitoring for the entire Festival site. It is also used as an emergency resting and welfare centre.
"Secondly, the car park is used for all emergency services during the Festival period, while it is also used as an overflow drop off point for disabled visitors entering the event.
"This year around 90,000 people attended the Festival, meaning that access to the centre during this time would be wholly impractical.
"During its 22 years of operation Rivermead Leisure Centre has never been open to the public during the Reading Festival for the reasons outlined above.
"This year members of Rivermead Leisure Centre were advised five weeks in advance of the closure. While our membership application form states that programme changes may be made.
"GLL values its customers and values their comments.
"The Festival is an annual event and we will therefore continue to work with our customers to give advance notice of the annual closure."
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