Dreadin cancelling Bannatyne's Membership

[lv84]

Hello

 

I'm looking into cancelling my membership for three reasons:

 

- I can no longer fork out £60.

- There is ALWAYS something faulty, out of order, or just poorly maintained

- They have moved the work out areas around and it now looks like it's aimed at young men who enjoy using the weight room!

 

I'd never joined a gym before, with the Chafford Hundred Bannatyne being the first time. I really wish I hadn't as it's one thing after the other causing the regret!

 

First of all, I was made redundant a month after I joined, and my new salary is less than I was previously paid so after having to make a few cut backs, hoping this is going to be one of them. £60 is quite steep, and I may look into contract free gyms that cost a third the price of Bannatyne.

 

Then after being there since December, I realise why people moan so much about the inside of the gym. Don't get me wrong their cardio equipment is great, and there's a lot of it. But the so called luxury spa facilities, well that's a joke. And I won't go into detail with the disgusting state of the changing rooms, but maybe they need to hire more cleaners. I expect showers to get cleaned daily, not see what looks like black mould everywhere, untreated and leaving black stuff against walls. Something always breaks, or the water temperatures change every time you shower, the steam room is out of use...

 

And just recently, they have had a move around (definitely not a refurbishment) which means their Gym 3 which was lower lighting area and a bit more chilled out is now full of young blokes wearing tight vests tag teaming all the equipment.

 

When I was originally given the tour, Gym 1 was basically all the weight area, and cardio machines. It had loud music and bright lights and what looked like contestants of the World's Strongest Man. This was not where I wanted to work out. Gym 2 was basically just around the corner, power plates and the slightly older cardio equipment (no TVs on them) but Gym 3 was the reason I joined. You went through a set of double doors, and aside from the Chart show channel playing on TV and someone occasionally using the boxing bag, it was nice. Calmer. But more peaceful.

 

I actually dread going now. I don't like exercising in this brightly lit area. I realise it sounds stupid, but I don't feel comfortable.

 

I have a contract until December 28th. Is there anything I can do?

 

Advice appreciated!!

[Conniff]

If you are making just one more trip, then take you phone and get lots of pictures especially of the changing areas and the spa if they are as bad as you say.

 

I will alert Slick, he is you boy on this.

 

Oops, and welcome to the forum.

[lv84]

Thank you Conniff, I did actually take a cpl of pics earlier. Which obviously makes me look a right weirdo! But it just really p's me off to pay that amount, the staff walk around like someone's died and it is just not something I can justify parting with my salary anymore especially as I don't earn as much as I used to!

 

If you are making just one more trip, then take you phone and get lots of pictures especially of the changing areas and the spa if they are as bad as you say.

 

I will alert Slick, he is you boy on this.

 

Oops, and welcome to the forum.

[slick132]

Hi LV,

 

If you'd tried to cancel when you were made redundant, you should have been able to. However, as you're now working again, that's not the way forward.

 

Conniff's suggestion, that you photograph the dirty conditions, mould, equipment out of order and anything else that's unacceptable, is a good idea. Take the photos without being seen or attracting attention or you could find yourself in an awkward position.

 

If the conditions are THAT bad, you could cancel immediately on the basis that the gym has failed to provide the clean and hygienic conditions that you would reasonably expect.

 

You could also complain about the lack of well-maintained equipment although that would not be as strong a reason to cancel without notice. It would have been more reasonable of you to complain and see if they made improvements. If they failed, THEN you could cancel.

 

Whatever you do, the gym is likely to demand that you pay what fees remain due for the 12 month agreement. They'll add admin fees if you don't pay but such fees are penalties and are not enforceable.

 

They'll also put the matter over to their DCA who will chase for payment. However, experience suggests that the gym are not likely to take the court action which they will threaten.

 

[lv84]

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[lv84]

Sorry to be gross but yeah, it it pretty horrible. I have complained with a "Your Comments" card twice before. And I just think it's ridiculous that members should have to ask their gym to have the bathrooms cleaned.

 

Yeah I wish I had cancelled when I lost my job, but aside from job hunting, it was my only escape from falling into the the junk food and daytime telly world

 

Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it.

[lv84]

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and there was a day between these images...

[slick132]

Hi LV,

 

Of the photos above, I'd say the 2nd of the first batch and the last of the second batch are the ones that readily suggest you have a valid complaint.

 

If you complained about the toilets specifically BEFORE the date these pictures were taken, I'd say you have a reasonable grounds for immediate cancellation.

 

It's clear from the pics that these toilet seats have not been cleaned properly every day. The yellow staining suggests a build-up of calcium limescale that's been discoloured by urine.

 

Of course, if you DO decide to cancel on these grounds, it is your choice and the gym will probably argue and demand payments for the full m/ship agreement period. Only time will tell how far they're prepared to go but they usually give up without taking court action.