Concerns over cashless system at leisure centre

A FROME resident says she is concerned over the news that Fusion leisure centre will become a cashless centre from October, saying that this will discourage people from being active. 

Michelle Keegan wrote to Frome Times saying, “I am outraged to read on Fusion’s news update that as of the 1st October they as a company are going cashless. As a person that has lived in Frome pretty much all my life, I have spent many hours at the sports centre swimming as a child. But now with my own children, we will be having to pay for it online beforehand or give them a debit card or a top up car for something as simple as an afternoon swimming with friends. 

“What about families that may not have the ability to be able to pay this way? We are suppose to encourage our children to have more exercise, but putting barriers up for just the way you pay for swimming is unacceptable.” 

A spokesperson for Fusion Lifestyle leisure centre said, “From October 1st 2019 all Fusion Lifestyle leisure centres in Somerset will be going cashless. One of the greatest benefits of going cashless is increased security for both customers and staff. 

“We have a range of options available to help our customers transition to cash free purchases including; booking your classes/sessions online through our website and app, payment through debit/credit cards and the preferred option for parents –  loading prepaid sessions onto our reward card for their children to use as and when required. 

“Reward cards are available on request. For more information, please ask at reception.”