Leisure centre closure spark gymgoers' anger

BUT BOSSES INSIST THEY CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO RUN SITES

- STEPHEN TOPPING

STANDING outside Active Ashton on a busy afternoon, it doesn't take long for a queue of heartbroken gymgoers to make their voices heard.

There is anger and devastation in Tameside following this week's announcement that three of the borough's leisure centres will close their doors in September.

Active Ashton, which includes a gym, swimming pool and sauna, stands between the interchange and the shopping centres of Ashton town centre.

Indoor bowling arena Active Etherow and Adventure Longdendale - which contains a trampoline park, laser zone and soft play area - will also shut down.

The not-for-profit organisation which runs all three, Active Tameside, says it has been left in an 'unenviable position' after being stung by rising costs while Tameside council insists it cannot afford to pick up the bill and rescue the sites.

Mark Jackson says he has been 'horrified' by the 'frankly disgusting' decision. The 55-year-old was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998 and says the facility in Ashton is 'vital' to him.