Gym Membership - David Lloyd - Small claims court

daz_free

Hi,

I have been a member of the local David Lloyd club (Cheshire Oaks) for a few months and was made up with it.

Recently they have started repairs to the male changing rooms which will last 10 weeks. Now having to get changed in portakabins, crap showers, no shaving areas, overcrowded at peak times and were still having to pay £55 a month during the repair process.

I have wrote a letter to the club and now thinking of going through the small claims court as the service I am paying £55 is clearly not being delivered. I would be looking for half of membership costs back during the 10 week repairs which is about £68.

My question is do I have a leg to stand on if I take them to the small claims court?

Thanks,

Darrell

hollydays

What was their response to your letter?

daz_free

Not replied as yet. When they sent out the letter informing of the changing room repair they sent out 2 free guest passes but it is a joke as I would be embrassased to take anyone to the club in that condition.

hollydays

If you won at court,what if they refused you membership

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

daz_free wrote: »

Not replied as yet. When they sent out the letter informing of the changing room repair they sent out 2 free guest passes but it is a joke as I would be embrassased to take anyone to the club in that condition.

I bet your exaggerating and just looking for an excuse to get money

Does your contract state what sort of changing facilities you will have? I would imagine not and the contract will fully cover temporary repairs.

dancingdoll

LinasPilibaitisisbatman wrote: »

I bet your exaggerating and just looking for an excuse to get money

Does your contract state what sort of changing facilities you will have? I would imagine not and the contract will fully cover temporary repairs.

I'm quite sure the OP is not exaggerating, nor looking for an excuse to get money. The OP has quite clearly paid for a product. When you go to a gym you're shown around the whole gym - "look how modern and sparkly this is". This includes all the machines and changing areas.

If the product is not what you purchased then you have a right to argue for compensation. I certainly would not be happy with this.

And asking for 50% is very reasonable - and certainly not an "excuse to get money". I'd be tempted to ask for two months credit on my account.

d.edna

It is an excuse for money, do you actually hang around in the changing rooms?

*Garry Glitter need not answer

dancingdoll

d.edna wrote: »

It is an excuse for money, do you actually hang around in the changing rooms?

You are surely misinformed here. How can it be an excuse for money? Product is not what you've paid for. After a sweaty session at the gym I do not want to go into some sub-standard changing area. This is not what I paid for.

If Sky said they were moving their satellite around a little bit and the picture might be a bit fuzzy for 10 weeks, I'd surely not watch and want my money back for that time. Likewise, if I was at the OP's gym I would not be going there during refurbishment and would expect a goodwill credit of my account.

Tozer

d.edna wrote: »

It is an excuse for money, do you actually hang around in the changing rooms?

*Garry Glitter need not answer

Isn't it the sort of thing that David Lloyd promote as being better than their competitors and accordingly part of the 'feel good' factor that they charge for?

kennyboy66_2

There is not a chance in hell that DL would refuse you membership - the problem is that it is hardly worth going to the small claims court for that amount.

I would go and see them and complain and threaten to cancel your membership.

If this does not work I would give your contractual notice and tell them why.
Give it in writing and get an acknowledgemnt that they have recieved it.

The advantage with this approach is that as you approach your notice period, they will beg you to stay. I was offered 14 months for the price of 12 to re-join (and no fee).

All sports clubs are desparate for members at the moment - they are really badly hit in a downturn - many people are paying and barely using the facilities.

olly300

kennyboy66 wrote: »

There is not a chance in hell that DL would refuse you membership - the problem is that it is hardly worth going to the small claims court for that amount.

I would go and see them and complain and threaten to cancel your membership.

Most gym contracts trap you for a year. When I used to be a member of David Lloyds they did that. They also had a 3 month notice period.

Also lots of gyms are very vigorous in using debt collecting companies to chase people.

So while at the beginning it may not be economically worth it sometimes taking companies to court just so they won't spoil your credit record or send debt collectors after you is cheaper and less hassle in the long run.