Sauna users slam 'secret' replacement plans

Users of a sports centre sauna and steam room have expressed their dismay over what they call "secret" plans to replace the facility with an under-15s gym.

A communal facility at the Strood Sports Centre has been shut since March, with users claiming they first learned of the closure when a notice was placed on the door.

Operator Medway Council says: "Two new sauna pods will soon be available, providing a modernised, more private experience for members while allowing us to make best use of the available space."

Deon Peters, who has been using the centre for nearly 30 years, says he believes this decision takes away "a social hub" for people who suffer with mental health issues.

Another centre user, Justin Hemsley, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that centre staff were told not to tell them it would be replaced with a junior gym and smaller saunas.

He said: "If they had done a consultation with the members and people had said this is what they wanted, then fair enough, but they haven't.

"To take it away without any notice or consultation is really not something that a local authority should be doing."

Medway Council said while "there was no period of formal consultation", staff have been "actively speaking directly with members" about the proposal.

This proposal "mirrors" a successful model already in place for 200 young members Medway Park, the council added.

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