Forum Topic

Why?

... can't I look up the council leisure web site and work out how much membership costs?  Why is it such a mystery?

Sarah Felstead ● 4490d14 Comments

Because Hounslow council are useless at running the leisure services. Check out Topnotch, they have some great deals.

Bob Crongle ● 4490d

Last time I did this is was even more complicated than buying glasses and yes, Topnotch even offered a week free trial whereas it was hard to get a one visit pass from the Council run gym.  :-(

Sarah Felstead ● 4490d

I think it's because HBC contracted the whole lot out to another company to run and that company isn't very good at it. They are trying hard to make it a money earner but are failing miserably.What were you after specifically?

Bob Crongle ● 4490d

A new edition of the  Hounslow Council magazine is hitting doormats at present Sarah together with a "Hounslow Leisure Centres" flyer.The flyer offers a free trial I understand...hounslow-leisure.com/freetrail

Jim Lawes ● 4489d

Thanks Jim.I fished the flyer out of the bin ... checked the linkhttp://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/hounslowtrialand found a free one day pass.The flyer suggests that it will cost me less than £10.50 a week but there is a notation which draws you to 'real' small print at the bottom of the leaflet which is the smallest font on the whole leaflet and beyond my eyesight, so whatever that says is a mystery rather than something they are proud of.  Can anyone read what it says?  I do have a magnifying glass somewhere ...No details of types of memberships available, what they entitle you to and how much it will cost, for the Council facilities.

Sarah Felstead ● 4489d

Is it really that difficult?I have always found whatever information is required for Hounslow Leisure on the website or through the phone numbers. Also, if you are seriously interested in joining a leisure facility, wouldn't it be better to visit there first, making an appointment to talk with an adviser while you are there (or even 'just' the staff at reception)?Do Topnotch have a swimming pool? - I think not.

Anne England ● 4489d

Thanks for your reply Anne but you could not have accessed this information by the use of the web site, as it is not there.  I thought details of money should be open, so why is it a secret until I spend a couple of hours arranging an appointment to use council facilities, driving over there and having a sales talk with somebody.  A bit off putting and yes, difficult.

Sarah Felstead ● 4489d

Sarah, save your money - start taking a daily brisk walk, and/or start cycling, there are some really nice and pretty safe routes locally. Who needs a Gym?

Vanessa Smith ● 4489d

There is a lot of information about memberships here:https://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/contracts/London_Borough_of_Hounslow/MembershipsIt doesn't mention charges, but then nor does Topnotch or Roko which I checked for comparison.But then they are not related to the council so immune from any criticism.

Guy Lambert ● 4489d

I suppose private Gyms are not attached to providing a local service and are purely competitive businesses, Guy.  Why would all admission charges, including the memberships, not be available on the web?You are right Vanessa, I was thinking of buying a form of membership as a present for sombody.  Hounslow linked with the PCT (or whatever they are currently called) do lots of walks locally and there is supportive Gym membership for people with disabilities/illnesses etc.  I get regular e-mails about these and they look great.

Sarah Felstead ● 4489d

Why? Why not...?

Keith Iddon ● 4488d

Why not what.  Is this another bump?

Sarah Felstead ● 4487d

Could be

Steve Taylor ● 4487d

bump

Trudie Fuller ● 4487d