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Another David Lloyd Rip Off

I have recently been told by my local David Lloyd leisure Centre that now my daughter is 6 years old her membership package is to change to a corresponding category at a cost per month of £25.50. This category is for 6-17 years old, although this wasn't apparent until more recently. I have asked what extra activities etc were available for my child that weren't already available to her when she was 5 years old. A list of 'available' activities was sent to me but the age groups were all from 5-8 years old or unspecified, so the answer was effectively nothing more was available. I then asked for some flexibility regarding the extra fee as my daughter was already attending one to one swimming lessons there at an extra cost of £80/month (£20/week), and couldn't attend any of the other 'available' free activities due to other comittments. I even made some suggestions as a way forward. None of my suggestions were considered or even discussed, I even asked why there wasn't a more tiered approach to the membership fees, seeing that more was available to older children, and that children of 12 years and above could for instance swim without adult supervision and use the gym, and those above 16 are effectively adults anyway.
I therefore have had to cancel my daughters membership giving a 3 months notice period, or start paying the new fees (basically I have been forced to put up or shut up). I have written many times putting forward questions and suggestions, none of which have been addressed in any way. Basically all I have been told is the fee increases are a 'business decision' and that is that.
David Lloyd are not very forthcoming when it comes to membership fees etc anyway; most probably because they are making offers to attract new members at the expense of existing ones; and most members are probably unaware of this 6-17 year old category as I was. For those with younger children it is a complete rip off. Hopefully readers of this forum who are also David Lloyd members will complain as well, and then maybe David Lloyd Leisure will finally listen and incorporate a fairer tiered membership fee structure for children.
:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

Should Health Clubs and Gyms be allowed to charge what they like? 5 votes

Yes
20% 1 vote
No
40% 2 votes
There should be strict guidlines governing fees etc
20% 1 vote
Only if the costs are justifiable
20% 1 vote

Comments

  • timestar
    timestar Posts: 210 Forumite
    All David Lloyd centres are interested in is signing up new people to a membership who will either lose interest after a while or stop going. They can then keep hauling in the membership fees.
  • kennyboy66_2
    kennyboy66_2 Posts: 2,598 Forumite
    I was in the same boat at David Lloyd and they wanted about £112 / month for me and my 2 once they were 6.
    They also had swimming lessons there £6 per 1/2 hour lesson each.

    I cancelled my membership & joined the local swimming club.

    Coaching is now £3 each for 1 hour & to be honest the quality of instruction is better & their group is smaller than at DL.

    David Lloyd - complete rip off but great for lazy parents (guilty myself until I saw sense).
    US housing: it's not a bubble

    Moneyweek, December 2005
  • Stephb1986_2
    Stephb1986_2 Posts: 6,279 Forumite
    I went to David Lloyd once then they stalked me for months sending me atleast 5 txt's everyday and ringing me up atleast once a day. To join up and I'd get a free bike!

    I didn't bother as I already had a membership with TF

    Steph xx
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