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Group told there’s no room — so on your bike
Reporter: Janice Barker
Date online: 02 March 2010
Another popular class axed from new well-being centre
Exercise bike enthusiasts say they are are being ousted from Chadderton Well-being Centre because there is no storage space for the equipment.
The group of 20 regulars have been told the classes will be moved to Oldham Sports Centre at the end of the month.
However, Steve Eyre, from Oldham Community Leisure which manages the Andrew Street facility, said the bikes are being moved around all Oldham’s leisure centres for different users to try.
But sportsman Paul Fish, of Fold Green, is annoyed that his regular Monday and Thursday classes run by OCL in Chadderton will be stopped.
He said: “They moved the bikes from the old sports centre in Middleton Road where they started classes about three years ago.
“These are new X-bikes, bought about 18 months ago, and they are very popular. The 45-minute classes are usually oversubscribed with a waiting list.
“Now we are being told the storage room is needed for other gym equipment and that is why we have got to move. There is storage outside the exercise room where they could be lined up against a wall, but staff say the owners of the building have been told they can’t store them there.
“In fact they cannot even put a coat hanger up without permission, they say.
“I e-mailed OCL to complain and got a letter back saying they were sorry but they can’t store them anywhere and they are moving them to Oldham.”
Paul’s complaint follows OCL’s November decision that regular over-50s table tennis sessions could not move to the Well-being Centre because there was nowhere to store the tables. OCL has now changed its mind and allowed table tennis back to the new centre (see story, left).
The Andrew Street building was built by Community First Oldham, and also houses the new library, pool and meeting rooms.
Mr Eyre said: “The bikes which have been housed at Chadderton Well-being Centre are being moved around all sites of Oldham Community Leisure so all our members have a chance to take part.
“We have done this with other pieces of equipment such as the dance mats which has proved successful.”
Comments
Sounds like another "Little Tin God" at OCL. Get rid, not of the bikes, but 'im.
This started off as being a brilliant project not only for Chadderton but also for the other towns in the Borough. Recent poor management has completely screwed it up and soured the whole thing. They should get a grip or get out. Preferably, get out.
I cannot understand why there is such a big reception, when space is obviously in such demand
And so the cuts begin. It's a joke.
We all hear about keeping fit and obesity rising, yet when we want to take part we're told we can't because its moved, I'll stay home and have another cream cake then!
"the owners of the building have been told they can’t store them there"
Yet another reason why PFI is a stupid expensive idea which should be opposed.
This will happen at the unwanted acadamies too. Schools will not be being allowed to use the building as they wish or need without permission or paying an extra wodge "compensation" to the contractor.
Perhaps Councillors who repeatedly go against their electorates wishes pushing through acadamies will be voted out in May. Let's hope so.
Have Your Say
Should be renamed the 'Chadderton Not So Well-being Centre'
Get somebody in who can run it properly.
I can't believe the rubbish about moving the Dance Mats around! Unbelievable.
By spike @ 02/03/2010 14:56:42