Council need to adopt a common sense pricing structure for families says Sinn Féin’s Oonagh Hanlon and Cllr Roisin Howell.
At a recent meeting with council officials, Sinn Fein highlighted the need to review the availability of family/ household membership
Following the opening of the first class local Downpatrick leisure Centre ,it has been highlighted by local Sinn Fein representatives Oonagh Hanlon and Roisin Howell that no family membership deals are available at present.
Family membership offers like those offered in Lisburn City Council and ABC council offer an access to local leisure facilities. For example ABC offer 2 adults and 3 kids membership for £60 per month and Lisburn offer a £40 per month package.
Cllr Howell said: “Our fantastic new Leisure centre in Downpatrick is a first class facility and has been surpassing initial expectations with the number of people using it. However it is vital that these facilities are accessible to everyone. Cost should not be a barrier to active and healthy living.’
Mrs Hanlon added: “Down Leisure centre is a fantastic and welcome addition to our county town.
“However,xa0 I have been contacted by many local families who are concerned that the cost is prohibitive with frequent use of the centre over a month. For example for two adults and two children as members the cost is currently over £100 per month and any other younger sibling would still be required to pay for swimming etc.
“An affordablexa0 family or group membership would be most welcome and encourage family participation in keeping active and fit.”
A council spokesperson said: “Newry Mourne and Down District Council will be presenting further membership options to a forthcoming meeting of the Active and Healthy Communities Committee, including family/group membership options.
“Our current rates are available on the ‘NMB Be Active’ app and also on our website:
http://www.newrymournedown.org/down-leisure-centre.”
Main entrance charges for Downpatrick Leisure Centre are as follows:
*xa0 Daily Adult Swim – £3.10
*xa0 Daily Concession Swim – £2.40
*xa0 Daily Health Suite – £5.40
*xa0 Daily Concession Health Suite xa0- £4.00
*xa0 Daily Gym, Swim, Health Suite – £10.00
*xa0 Daily Concession Gym, Swim, Health Suite – £7.50
*xa0 Monthly membership packages for unlimited usage for various features and access range from £15-£29.95 per month
*xa0 3 month, 6 month and 12 month membership payment options also available.
