Hello and thank you for taking your time to read this post and I would like to apologize for the length of this message My name is Ana and I took it up on myself to create a petition for my self and those already attending BECONTREE HEATH LEISURE CENTRE. On the 7th of March 2012 most of the members received a letter from Matt Springgs (Health & Fitness Manager) declaring that our monthly membership fees are due to go up on the 1st of April and that they are also introducing a 12 month contract for new and even existing customers which is a very unfair and unsuitable method for many of us considering that is 3 weeks away. The government is always pointing out how Britain needs to get healthier and that it has the highest rate of obesity in Europe and they are right we are and we do have highest rate but we are a small fraction that are trying to change that for the better. A lot of us from this community are making good use of the services provided by our borough and are trying to get healthier by committing to regular use of the facilities for frequent exercise. There are people on low income that cannot afford the full membership fee which have to rely on the concession membership (this membership is offered to low income people, people on benefits, etc ) which I myself am on due to low income, also there are older generations that use this centre and are furious about the increase, the unfit like myself, I am currently obese and was referred by the GP to attend this centre for a "fit for life program" (which is a free service offered at this centre and some others by the local authorities) but to not overcrowd or to take someone else@s place who may need me than me i was thoughtful enough to go on a "no contract" monthly membership (so I was told on the day of signing up which is the main reason why I started coming to this gym so i did not have to be tied down to a contract) just like a lot of others that have done the same as me and pay a £24 a moth concession fee but instead now I and others on the same membership as me have to pay £32.15 I call that day light robbery...They have only given us a three week notice which we all think is completely bonkers, whereas us we need to give them at list a 2 months notice if we wish to cancel our memberships that is before the 1st of April or legal actions are to be taken if not enough notice is given on our part. It has become a great concern to many of us and I will continue to do my part as a citizen for this problem but we would all be ever so greatfull if you may be able to help us in any way of addressing this problem that we consider to be a financial issue for many of us and a great disappointment to all of us so please please please find it in you heart to help us in any way you can to give something back to the Dagenham community as this will effect most of the users on a long term basis.

Links