ALTON Sports Centre’s decision to ditch gym-only memberships has angered some customers.

Gerry Farndon, 60, has been using the gym at the sports centre for the past few years as part of his rehabilitation following a serious leg injury. This had cost him £21.99 a month.

However, from next year he will have to pay £30 for a full centre package to continue using the gym, even though he will not use other facilities included in the membership.

While he understands new customers being signed up to a new model, he said it “seems unreasonable” to deny existing users the option to stay on the cheaper package.

Everyone Active is now operating the sports centre on behalf of East Hampshire District Council.

Historically the council paid centre operators a subsidy. But now Everyone Active is paying the council a licence fee to operate the district’s sports and leisure centres.

Mr Farndon believes this move from a public amenity to a commercial venture means profit will ultimately dictate membership policies.

Although he has complained, he said it is a case of “like it or lump it”.

“It’s a bit of a stitch up,” he added. “It is the way of the world I think.”

Chris West, contract manager at Everyone Active, confirmed gym-only packages are being scrapped.

“Instead, all membership packages will incorporate access to a variety of the centre’s amenities,” he added.

Working with the council they “have carried out an extensive market review ahead of the opening of the brand-new £20 million Alton Sports Centre”.

They decided to “align and tier” their pricing “to ensure a fair approach to all”. This means packages “remain competitive” while offering “more value” to customers.