Members at Peterborough gym upset after access heavily reduced

Users of the Werrington Leisure Centre gym in Ken Stimpson Community School, Staniland Way, have been told they can no longer access the gym before 5pm on weekdays from October 1.

Vivacity, which runs the leisure centre, is offering day use members access to its other gyms in Peterborough, but two members, who wished to remain anonymous, said many people are upset.

One said: “A lot of people use this gym, regularly, every week, and have no feasible alternative. I started going to the gym to benefit my mental health. It has, quite simply, been a lifesaver. To lose this facility will be severely detrimental not only to my health but also to many other people.”

Another day-time user said utilising other Vivacity facilities was not feasible as they did not drive, adding: “I was at the gym this morning and everybody is up in arms about the new arrangement.”

Vivacity said: “We have been working closely with Ken Stimpson Community School and Peterborough City Council to review how the Werrington Leisure Centre is used, ensuring that our arrangements work the best they can for students, teachers and customers. It has been agreed Vivacity will revise the gym access times.”

Drop-in sessions are being held on September 12 from 10am to noon and 4pm to 6pm to answer member’s questions.