Two Lincoln leisure centres that were suddenly shut down last night were “falling apart” because of council mismanagement, it has been claimed.
Active Nation – which runs Yarborough and Birchwood leisure centres – announced they were closing down for the “foreseeable future” late on Wednesday.
Martin Christopher, the deputy leader of the Lib Dem opposition on the City of Lincoln Council, said: “Sadly due to poor upkeep from Labour, the place has fallen apart… It is a complete mismanagement from them.”
No warning was given to members of the leisure centres about the closure. Members turning up today were met with a sign saying: “Due to the ongoing utility crisis and the challenges it has created, Active Nation has made the difficult decision to close Yarborough Leisure Centre and Birchwood Leisure Centre.”
The Yarborough Leisure Centre boasting a gym, swimming pool, running track and studios for classes, while the Birchwood facility has a gym, spin studio, and 3G pitches.
The Yarborough facility is one of the few venues in and around Lincoln with a swimming pool, with the closest public swimming pool now being One NK in North Hykeham.
Speaking exclusively to LSJ News, Councillor Christopher said: “What happens to grassroots football for kids? Lincoln already has one of the worst health outcomes in the country, and thousands will go without these facilities until something solution is made.”
He added: “I used to go to Yarborough from the age of eight. it was a wonderfully kept place where I could go swimming, but now it has come to an end after a lack of transparency from Labour.”
He also said: “It is unbelievable. It is just madness, utter madness.”
Tyler Dillon, 28, a member of the Yarborough Centre, said: “I always enjoy going swimming after work, but with these closures I have to find something to do to relax.”
“I am absolutely devastated with the closure, I do not know what to do in the evenings anymore. I hope the council find a solution soon.”
Active Nation has confirmed that rising costs and the financial climate have made it almost impossible to continue.
“They charge us council tax but what are they actually spending it on?” Cllr Christopher said. “It is a catalogue of repeated failures by Labour.”
A spokesperson for the City of Lincoln Council said it is now in the process if repossessing the buildings for use. They urged pre-paid members to contact their bank providers for cancellation.
“We know that staff have worked incredibly hard to try to keep facilities running during some very tough trading conditions in the leisure industry,” Simon Walters said.
