Frome’s leisure centre has come under fire from local residents, who have raised concerns about cleanliness and the reliability of its facilities.
Complaints include a lack of heating, issues with shower and gym equipment, poor hygiene, inadequate lighting on the sports pitches and the recent closure of the swimming pool due to a broken boiler.
“The roof leaks, with water running down the walls. The gym floor has tape on it instead of proper repairs. The boiler is broken, and the family fun floats look ‘chewed.’ The perimeter fencing is patched and held together with jubilee clips. I’m sure people can add more examples,” said one resident on social media.
Another resident added, “The pools are freezing cold, and the changing rooms stink of urine.”
Frome Medical Practice echoed these concerns at January’s Frome Town Council meeting, where a representative said the practice was ‘concerned’ about the lack of wellbeing facilities in the town.
“We advocate for a healthy, sustainable, and well community, and we feel this is at risk with services being [out of order]. This is not the first time the boilers have broken,” the representative explained. “At the practice, we can advocate for more funding if needed and additional support.”
At the same meeting, Cllr Fiona Barrows said, “This is the latest in a long-running series of isSus. I looked into it, and Fusion made a deal with the then-Mendip District Council for all four or five of the leisure centres in what was Mendip. I believe it was a 30-year lease, and we are now six or seven years into that. It included a commitment to spend £1million on infrastructure, and it would be really good if we can find out whether that money has actually been spent.
“Maybe we can try and work with the medical practice to bring everyone around the table.”
Somerset Council leases the building, located on Princess Anne Road, to Fusion Leisure, a national lifestyle organisation.
A spokesperson for Somerset Council said that neither Frome Leisure Centre nor Fusion was given any money to invest in the site; however, Fusion has made its own investments.
A spokesperson for Fusion Leisure said, “Our operations team is actively reviewing and taking appropriate action. With regard to the swimming pool, we can confirm that boilers have now been fixed and are fully operational. We address isSus as they arise and remain committed to keeping our facilities in good condition for the community.”
Frome Times has asked Fusion Leisure how much was invested in the leisure centre refurbishments and what the refurbishments involved; however, Fusion Leisure were unable to respond by the deadline.
Pictured: Frome Leisure Centre
