New £18m leisure centre leaves some families cold

Published 27 Jan 2012 08:35 5 Comments

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WEST FIFE families have criticised facilities at the new £18million-plus Carnegie Leisure Centre and the attitude of some staff.

The Press' article earlier this month on the problems encountered by a Dunfermline mum at the centre prompted others who had had similar experiences at the pool to contact us.

Leeza Minns, of Transy Place, Dunfermline, visited on 3rd January with two-year-old Clara and seven-month-old Alfie but it left them cold.

She recalled, "The pool had experienced problems, none of which were conveyed when we paid to enter.

"As soon as we entered we knew something was wrong, it was freezing and the pool was filling with freezing cold water.

"Only after all the parents left the toddler pool did they seem to take notice."

Despite complaining to the receptionist, Leeza said staff took an "it's not my fault" approach and continued allowing parents in.

When she voiced her disappointment over the lack of facilities in the pool, such as a small slide for toddlers, she said she was told Carnegie was "a sports centre, not a leisure centre".

Leeza also tried 10 times to book a fitness class but she claimed calls would ring out or get cut off.

She added, "I mentioned this to the receptionist to be told that they could not answer the phones as they were too busy but they were looking at a business plan to try and resolve the situation."

And with only two baby-change stations, she said parents were left queuing.

She said, "The nappy bins were overflowing and the changing rooms themselves were far from clean.

"They have no facilities to store prams or baby seats so these were left pushed up against the lockers.

"They had three staff in the changing rooms. They talked about the need to bring in another nappy bin but it took about 20 minutes and two members of staff before it finally appeared."

Gordon Bell, of Springhill Brae, Crossgates, encountered problems on 14th December when he forgot two-year-old grandson Kade's armbands.

He asked an attendant if he could purchase a set and was told the centre didn't have the facility.

He said, "On entering the pool area I noticed a crate full of inflated armbands in a corner.

"I approached an attendant and asked if I could borrow a set for Kade.

"His reply was he would get into trouble with his boss if he gave me a set as they were for the use of swimming lessons only.

"I was dumbfounded. There were only three people in the pools at the time. He said it was to do with health and safety."

He claims a woman at reception later said it was because "they didn't want different people blowing them up and transferring germs".

Mr Bell admitted, "It was my fault for forgetting the armbands in the first place but the attitude in the centre stinks.

"They were on about health and safety but they were quite prepared to let me take a two-year-old into the water without any swimming aid."

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust said the centre had proved "extremely popular" with 50,000 people visiting since it opened in November and added that feedback had been very positive.

It said there was "unprecedented demand" and a spokeswoman added, "The feedback from users who have not been satisfied with their experience, our staff or the facilities is of great regret and the trust welcomes their comments in order that we can address any problems associated with opening a new facility.

"The trust is committed to responding quickly to complaints and in relation to the two letters received by the Dunfermline Press, both customers have been contacted with a reply.

"Ms Minns received a response the day after she made a complaint and Mr Bell's complaint was dealt with on 12th January and a letter of response was posted to the gentleman on 16th January."

She said the trust was committed to ensuring that "customers are met with helpful, well-informed staff and that its facilities and programmes are well managed".

She added, "We would ask customers to continue to feedback any comments they have regarding Carnegie Leisure Centre.

"We can assure customers that any initial problems associated with the opening of a multi-use facility are being addressed with the utmost urgency and attention and that people will continue to enjoy an exceptional facility designed to offer affordable and accessible leisure opportunities for local communities."

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Spoonie
2 posts
Jan 31, 11:01
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I think the new centre is looking really great but there are obviously teething issues. I'm guessing they have changed the computer service at reception because it seems to take a while to pay. While I disagree with Mr Bell that the centre should hand out armbands - that's a parents job, I think it's silly that u can't buy a pair at reception. Also, what have they done to the ventilation over the old pool?? The condensation is obviously now an issue that never was one! Other than that - it's a cracking building & a nice upgrade

Recommend? Yes 5 No 19
bigbarryobama
7 posts
Feb 1, 13:03
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Was there Saturday, kiddie pool freezing, nappy bin overflowing and filthy smelly changing areas. How about the staff giving the place a clean now and again during opening hours! The place doesn't look refurbished at all and will just look even scabbier as time goes on.

Recommend? Yes 19 No 2
SmarmyGit
47 posts
Feb 1, 20:03
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Moan, moan, moan.........

The is the comment that did it for me "They were on about health and safety but they were quite prepared to let me take a two-year-old into the water without any swimming aid"

No, they were prepared to let YOU take a two year old into a pool without a swimming aid, its called parental responsibility, if your in charge of the child its your decision.......was it the councils fault that he forgot the child's armbands?

Deary me!

Recommend? Yes 9 No 9
jocknroll
82 posts
Feb 1, 20:59
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Do they really need two pools for a swimming gala? If they keep prioritising the swimming club over the public then the latter will go elsewhere.

Recommend? Yes 19 No 0
Furdic1
2 posts
Feb 9, 20:50
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Will people please stop abandoning their cars anywhere on Campbell street to use the gym. Appreciate that parking isn't brilliant but thats no excuse for parking on double yellows or on the pavement . Have a bit of respect for the people who live there!

Recommend? Yes 1 No 2

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