Leisure centres - FAQs
What is being done to mitigate the impact of closures?
We have developed a clear communications plan to make sure we can keep our customers informed of the re-opening plans and the rationale behind what opens when. We have been engaging directly with clubs and users to discuss and agree plans together. We have also worked with neighbouring boroughs and providers and non-government bodies for sports clubs to find solutions and minimise impact.
How will the new service provision be assured?
Each year Lampton Group put forward a business plan for each part of its business outlining their priorities over the next year. This is presented to and agreed by Cabinet. Performance on our trading companies is reported to Cabinet on a quarterly basis and their performance against key performance indictors and their financial position is outlined.
Lampton Group Ltd as a wholly owned company within the public sector may be subject to FOI in much the same way as the Council with policy established directly by the Council.
Will there be expertise in Lampton Group/Lampton Leisure and the Council to guarantee high quality service delivery?
The Commissioning team in the Council has a high level of expertise and is working directly with Lampton Group/Lampton leisure to ensure that the value of leisure for health, wellbeing and participation is maintained and enhanced. There is leisure expertise on the Board, and a competent management team will be appointed to support the development of the services. The new entity, Lampton Leisure, has been set up specifically to manage the leisure centres, as a not-for-profit business, and the staff transferred from Fusion have the experience to operationally deliver the service. They will receive additional training and support to get them ready for the new organisation and reopening.
How will Lampton manage the relationship with clubs and other stakeholders?
There is an opportunity to clarify the role and value of clubs and other users of the centres and agree a way to work together that can help ensure the delivery of the Council’s corporate plan ambitions through the new Lampton Leisure operation. Between Lampton Group and the Council there will be an agreement that sets out the Council’s requirements for service provision and a Cabinet approved service delivery business plan to help guide and develop the leisure offer in the future. The Council already has a great relationship with the relevant non-government bodies such as Swim England, Lawn Tennis Association and others to keep abreast of changes in the industry and to help explore best opportunities for clubs and participation in sport in the borough.
What is happening to the committed health initiatives?
We will, along with our partners, understand any impacts of the closure and will explore ways to mitigate the impact that may have arisen. Work is underway through the council’s Covid-19 Recovery Programme which was reported on in October’s Cabinet meeting.
Where can I get my exercise if leisure centres are closed?
Keeping active can really benefit your physical and mental health, whatever you choose to do. Our community sport, physical activity and health partners are providing a great range of activities both locally and online.
Visit the OneYou Hounslow Move More page for more information and help to find an activity that is right for you.
When they reopen will it be the full offer – gym, swimming, sports halls, changing rooms etc?
We will provide regular updates on what the offer will be for the leisure centres. However, there will be a phased approach to reopening the centres and their facilities. We will also need to make sure that each area that reopens does so in a way that is covid-secure according to Government guidelines which includes social distancing.
I’m a member of x leisure centre. When will I be able to start using it again?
Your membership will be transferred to Lampton Leisure from 1 November, and you will be advised when the leisure centres are reopening and you can start using them again.
If your membership is currently frozen because of the pandemic then Lampton Leisure will let you know when this will change. If you have a specific question about your membership, please email leisure@hounslow.gov.uk with your question and your full membership details, including your membership number, and we will get back to you with a response as soon as we can.
What is going to happen to my membership fees?
Membership fees due to be paid from 1 November or later will be paid directly to Lampton Leisure, but they will not be taken until the centres reopen. We will notify you by email when this is likely to be. To make sure you receive the email, please contact us at leisure@hounslow.gov.uk
If Fusion Lifestyle is no longer responsible for the leisure centres, who do I contact? Who will have my data? Who will I be paying for my membership?
Membership data will be transferred to Lampton Leisure from Fusion Lifestyle and this will take place as soon as possible so that Lampton Leisure can start liaising with you directly. Once the transfer has taken place you will be paying Lampton Leisure for your membership – but not until the centres reopen. If you have a specific question about your membership, please email us at leisure@hounslow.gov.uk with your details.
What will the offer be?
We will be able to confirm details of the offer in due course and will keep our website updated with the latest information. We will also write to you with any news that may be of particular interest to you via email. If you are a current member of the leisure centres, but have not received any notification from us, please make sure we have your details so that we can add you to our database. If you are a hirer and also have not heard from us, please let us know. Send your details including your membership number and leisure centre you are a member/user of to leisure@hounslow.gov.uk
Can you guarantee they will be safe to use?
We will be working with Lampton Leisure to organise a programme of cleaning and maintenance prior to reopening any of our centres. Risk assessments will be carried out and any relevant testing, e.g. of the pools will be carried out following statutory / national guidelines. We will also ensure when we reopen that we are following Covid-secure guidelines as set out by the government. We will only reopen each leisure centre, and each service provided by that centre when we are entirely confident it is safe to do so.
I would like to join a leisure centre as a new member, how do I do this?
We will be able to sign up new members once each leisure centre has reopened. Please visit the website: www.hounslow.gov.uk/leisure to find out when each centre reopens, and the specific services within that centre. You can also be added to our mailing list to receive update, please confirm if you would like to do this by emailing leisure@hounslow.gov.uk
I would like to use the leisure centres when they reopen but not join as a member is this possible?
Yes, once the leisure centres are open you will be able to pay for individual sessions. Please note that when the centres reopen they will be cashless.
How do I pay for membership or individual sessions?
Ongoing monthly or annual memberships will be paid for through direct debits. Individual sessions will be paid for at the centre. Please note that when the centres reopen they will be cashless, and you will need to pay through credit or debit card for individual sessions.
