Frome leisure centre cuts children’s classes

PARENTS and children have been left disappointed that some classes for children at Frome Leisure Centre are being axed.

Activities such as the popular baby gym sessions on Monday mornings will cease to run in January.

The only children’s classes that the centre will continue to provide are the Kid’s Club on Saturday mornings and the junior swimming lesson programme.

Private clubs will still be able to hire the facilities for junior activities.

Sarah Cruwys, centre manager of Frome Leisure Centre said, “Following a robust review, Avalon Leisure has made a decision to cease some children’s activities due to declining numbers. Avalon Leisure is working hard with Liberty Gymnastics Club and other providers to offer a comparative service, benefiting the whole community.

“We feel our responsibility to the community is to provide sustainable leisure services and are confident that we continue to offer affordable activities.

“In no way does this decision limit future considerations for new children’s activities in the leisure centre.”

But parents say that the leisure centre should have a responsibility to provide for children now. One mother said, “I do think it’s a real shame, and that they have a responsibility to the community. Some classes attract a lot of children and we can’t see why they’re not financially viable.

“Cutting everything for children is quite short-sighted – how will they be encouraged to do adult classes when they haven’t done it as children?”