Local MP Anna Sabine is demanding answers over ‘persistent issues’ at Frome Leisure Centre, after the management company previously committed to making improvements following residents’ complaints.
Residents have raised concerns about the reliability and cleanliness of the facilities at the centre, which is managed by Fusion Leisure, a lifestyle company.
At a recent meeting with Anna Sabine MP, senior managers from Fusion Leisure committed to making changes. However, problems have continued, with the pool’s boilers breaking down again, leading to the cancellation of children’s swimming lessons.
Anna said, “Parents are now worried about the impact on children’s swimming lessons and school groups, fearing disruption to their development and wellbeing.” She also said Fusion Leisure had gone ‘silent’ on reimbursements and updates, despite several attempts to contact them.
“The ongoing issues at Fusion are unacceptable,” she said. “Members and families rely on this community facility, and they deserve transparency, compensation and practical solutions. Fusion must explain how they will update customers, reimburse direct debit payments and mitigate any impact on children’s swimming lessons moving forward.”
A spokesperson for Fusion Leisure said, “We are working hard to resolve the boiler issue at Frome Sport & Fitness. Despite being fixed earlier in the year, we have acted decisively to reduce the risk of further disruption and have ordered a brand new, greener and more efficient boiler. This is a complex piece of work and will be installed and operational by mid-July.
“We have also acted on wider feedback about the centre. A new cleaning team is in place and a thorough daily cleaning regime is ongoing to maintain the standards our members and centre users expect. We have carried out painting and repairs at the centre over recent months, and new poolside lighting is coming, with further works planned later in the year.
“The pool is still in use, but colder than usual. We adhere to industry guidance on swimming lessons, so our swim school is not currently operating in the pool. We would like to reassure parents that we will credit their accounts for any missed sessions and offer catch-up sessions in August.
“Swim school members also have free access to the pool as part of their membership, so they will be able to swim during the summer holidays once the new boiler has been installed.
“Members are also welcome to use the nearby pools at our Shepton Mallet and Wells centres in Somerset.
“Our senior directors have met with Anna Sabine MP to update her on the works, and the team would be very happy to meet her again with a further update. We are also regularly updating our members and will continue to do so over the coming weeks.
“We thank everyone for their patience while we work as quickly as possible to restore our facilities and equipment.”
Pictured: Frome Leisure Centre
