Gym 'cancellation' Rip Off

BOB_BOB_4

I signed up at Cannons (Jan 08) but wasn't given any T&C. It was sold to me as a 12 month contract and I agreed to monthly direct debits of £50.50 over this period. In Dec 08 I recieve a letter to say my membership is due for renewal and to act quickly to retain the current special rate. I ring them up to say I don't actually want to renew as no longer able to attend. I'm informed at this point that I need to give one full months notice of a cancellation and am too late so will be charged for January. But January is the 13th month, I say, how can I be charged a cancelling fee for a contract that has run it's course? I'm told that I didn't sign up for a 12 month period (as I was led to believe) but a 12 month special rate period followed by standard monthly rate and as such will not only be charged an extra month but at the higher rate of £70. I said that this wasn't as it was sold to me and that no T&C's had been recieved. They said they would send me a copy of the T&C's but I pointed out this was 12 months too late (when they did arrive they where badged Nuffield not Cannons).

As I didn't give them permission to take a 13th month direct debit they have been hounding me with phone calls and letters for this payment. They are now threatening me with debt collectors. Surely they can't make me pay this! What a rip off!:mad:

Any suggestions? What should I do?

markelock

have they ever provided you with terms and conditions?

what did you sign? will they have a copy of your signature on any document?

BOB_BOB_4

I filled out a form that included direct debit details. Can't remember what else.

markelock

Do you have a copy of that form?

Have they sent you out copies of what you signed up to at any point?

BOB_BOB_4

Don't think so

I've not received anything

markelock

get them to send it to you.

call them again and ask for a copy of the original document. they will have it (otherwise how on earth will they charge you for leaving early)