Customers say not everything’s going swimmingly at new Inspire pool
The new Inspire sports village
The trust in charge of Luton’s new Inspire swimming pool and leisure centre says feedback from customers has been “overwhelmingly positive”, a fortnight on from the facility opening.
People have flocked to the new £26 million centre since it opened its doors on August 20.
But some customers have taken to Active Luton’s Facebook page to voice their discontent.
Dirty changing room floors, non-refundable lockers, telephones going unanswered and confusion over adult-to-child ratios are among the gripes.
The pool’s policy of one adult to two children for children between five and eight, and one adult to one child for under-fives, was described as “health and safety gone mad” by Faye Rafferty.
Sarah Williams added: “Crazy isn’t it. My seven-year-old can swim, but I need to get a couple of extra partners to be able to take my lot swimming.”
Frustrations with unanswered phones have provoked a number of comments, including “Does anyone ever answer phone at new Inspire pool?” and “I have been trying to contact reception for four hours, no reply, no call back!”
There have also been complaints about the timetable for the community pool.
Nick Daniels wrote: “Can you not open up the community pool to some leisure swimming during school hours?
“It’s entirely booked up for lessons and classes during this time.
“Lots of people are going to want to take older ones to school and then take younger siblings for a swim, but you just can’t do this.”
On the non-refundable lockers, Joe Cashman commented: “Why did you choose to charge 20p for lockers, and why do you have so many?
“I guess there are 80 lockers in the men’s changing rooms, and nobody will use them because the 20p is retained.
“What a shame, especially for gym members paying up to £36 a month.
“Otherwise the centre is fantastic.”
In his responses to comments, Active Luton marketing manager Graeme Kent has assured customers that their feedback is being listened to.
A trust spokesman said: “We have been delighted by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from local people who are enjoying some of the best facilities in the region.
“We are carefully monitoring all comments, making changes as appropriate.”
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Weather for Luton
Sunday 19 May 2013
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