Have just sent an email complaining to the CMA about this. Thinking of the best way to approach this letter to Bannatynes without using foul language haha

I don’t understand how they can send it to a “solicitors” when: 1: they never advised when I had to technically pay by before they took it this far 2: I told them back in November to look at the phone records when I spoke to the member of staff on the 10th may who said the fees would be waived - they told me to pay £10 to access these calls as it’s by law apparently, I have a recording of bannatynes saying they don’t have phone recordings in the branches. I’m dreading this as like everyone out there can’t financially afford to pay this or go to court as I’m just lookin to get my first house and don’t want this on my back for the next 2 years with more added stress. Their nothing but bullies and I can see why people give in and pay it. Having read a lot of stuff online they have said they have ignored it but you know when there’s that part inside you that’s thinking do you ignore it or not lol. I’m taking it to CMA next week. They always contact on weekends which puts you in the most rubbish mood!!! Grrrrrr!!! LOL Thank you for your help Do you think it’s worth going back to Bannatynes and asking them for evidence of the contract which I signed - pretty sure my signature didn’t actually go on the contract though!!

Hi all, Today I have came home and received a letter from Major Law Solicitors on behalf of ARC on behalf of Bannatynes. “Instructing me they have been sent to recover debt which is still outstanding. Unless we hear from you within 14 days we will seek clients instructions regarding issuing a county court claim against you in Northampton County Court for the recovery. The following costs will be added upon issue: Debt balance £255.23 Court fee £25 Solicitors costs £50 Annual interest: £20.42 Now gone up to £350 What do I do now and who do I go back to? Thank you

Hi!! At what point do I write to them again or seek further advise? They have resent me the same email from November, advising that the document I provided for relocation is not significant enough and my account is placed on hold for 14 days while I pay the discounted amount or get a different document for proof of relocation. How unprofessional emailing the exact same email 2 months later!! Thank you

I do apologise. This is all way above my head to be honest. Never had to do anything like this so completely mind blown by it. Cautious of saying or doing the wrong thing

Hi, Still not received anything back from them - people say no news is goods news right? Don’t think they’d drop the case just like that would they? Thank you for your advise!!

Hi, They received my letter I sent on the 28th December. They have tried ringing my house phone on countless occasions. I have blocked the number. Just waiting for them to contact me back in writing. They always seem to get in contact on a Friday just before the weekend lol! Thank you everyone!!

Hi, Thank you for your advice, I sent the letter yesterday recorded delivery and probably due to the time of year they won’t get it until next week or even the new year. They sent me an email yesterday saying “my account with bannatynes has been transferred to ARC for account management please get in contact as soon as possible to make payment” Do I ignore this and only deal with them in writing via mail? Thank you

No I didn’t tell them this was temporary, as far as they know I was relocating when I spoke to a member of their staff at the branch I just said I was relocating she wished me all the best said she would get it cancelled - silly me for listening to that

Hi, Thank you for your help really appreciate this. I moved to another county which was 15 miles away from a bannatynes gym as it was only temporary over 2 months I didn’t have anything hard evidence to proof I moved there other than a letter. I did go away to Thailand but that was only for a short period of time as I didn’t like it. ARC haven’t told me i have to pay this money by a set date or anything either which I find strange how can they demand money but not tell you when you’ve got to pay it by? Thank you

Hi! 1. I moved to Plymouth where there is no bannatynes in site but it was between travelling from my home address and to Plymouth so very much temporary and no time to go to the gym with commuting. This was what I sent bannatynes “I am writing to you, to cancel my membership with Bannatynes as of 20/04/16. I am unfortunately relocating to another country where you can not provide the facilities or membership for me anymore. Therefore please take this email as my cancellation and I will cancel the direct debit after the next payment in May 2016.” I can’t even find the reply anywhere on email other than this one they sent me a couple of weeks back when they said they sent me it. As you are aware the contract agreed to upon joining 27th November 2016 is for a minimum period of 12 months with a cancellation period of 1 complete calendar month written notice which may be given after the 11th month of membership, therefore we are 10 unable to cancel memberships within this term. 12 However in light of the correspondence received and as a gesture of goodwill we will authorise for the transfer of your membership to another person. 14 The above is subject to all membership fees being up to date (and the potential member is over the age of 18 years and not currently a member of a Bannatyne Health Club). The potential member is also required to pay the current joining fee which will be a 15 minimum of £20.00. Our xxxx Health Club will happily arrange this transfer for you once you have provided us with the name and date of birth of the potential member. 17 As a further gesture of goodwill, we will reduce the remaining contractual amount by 20% and therefore a settlement of £203.38 is offered to cancel your membership with immediate effect. 19 This offer is applicable for a period of 14 days and if accepted must be paid within that time. If this should be declined or unpaid your membership and fees payable will continue as 28 Another option we could offer is that we are able to offer a freezing facility as a gesture of goodwill which would be for a minimum of 2 months to a maximum of 6 months. 30 Freeze periods are charged at £6.00 per month, per person. 32 If you are within your initial contract any freeze period will extend your initial contract by the length of the freeze period and any outstanding fees would be required to be brought up to date. 34 Should you wish to continue with your freeze request please confirm in writing/email to ourselves no later than the 20th of the month so we may process this for you. 35 Should you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us.

I had obviously spoken to them when I got the letter but you think from now on ignore them? Iv done so much research on it and people say ignore it then others say don’t so thought I’d give it ago on here! Then people tell me about I might go to court over * They said if I could provide evidence of relocating 15 miles away from a bannatynes gym they would waive the fee. They didn’t say how I could provide this evidence so I sent them a letter signed by the person I stayed with - not good enough they then decided it had to be a bill of some sort.

Hi, Never done one on these before so not sure how to begin. I joined Bannatyne's on a 12 month contract for the gym I think I may have been 6 months within my contract and then due to relocation I wanted to cancel my contract. I sent bannatynes an email on the 16th April expressing I was relocating therefore out of courtesy I would make one final payment in May of £35 and cancel my direct debit. I had an email saying I could freeze my account or pass my membership on, but no one wants to buy a contract for a gym from someone & I was in no position to freeze my account. I then received a telephone call from my local branch at bannatynes where they asked about my direct debit I explained I paid 1 month notice and cancelled it due to relocation I was informed in the call that my account would be closed and no further monies would be required due to my relocation I was even wish the best in my travels. Thought nothing more of it, over a year down the line and ACR contact me saying I owe £255. I asked for them to retrieve telephone recordings, they wouldn’t, they told me to contact bannatynes and pay £10 under an act. Bannatyne’s have already told me they don’t have branch telephone recordings. ACR advised if I provided proof of relocation that the fees would be waived. I provided a letter from my cousin to show of my temporary relocation - still not good enough. Due to the relocation being temporary I had no bills in my name. I was quite upset I’d put my faith in to a bannatynes staff member and now this. Any help would be really appreciated. Thank you