David Lloyd Membership Fees for Children 6-17 years old.

I have recently been told by my local David Lloyd leisure Centre that now my daughter is 6 years old her membership package is to change to a corresponding category at a cost per month of £25.50. This category is for 6-17 years old, although this wasn't apparent until more recently. I have asked what extra activities etc were available for my child that weren't already available to her when she was 5 years old. A list of 'available' activities was sent to me but the age groups were all from 5-8 years old or unspecified, so the answer was effectively nothing more was available. I then asked for some flexibility regarding the extra fee as my daughter was already attending one to one swimming lessons at a cost of £80/month (£20/week), and couldn't attend any of the other 'available' free activities due to other comittments. I even made some suggestions as a way forward. None of my suggestions were considered or even discussed, I even asked why there wasn't a more tiered approach to the membership fees, seeing that more was available to older children, and that children of 12 years and above could for instance swim without adult supervision, and those above 16 are effectively adults anyway. I therefore have had to cancel my daughters membership giving a 3 months notice period, or start paying the new fees (basically I have been forced to put up or shut up). I have written many times putting forward questions and suggestions, none of which have been addressed in any way. Basically all I have been told is the fee increases are a 'business decision' and that is that.
David Lloyd are not very forthcoming when it comes to membership fees etc anyway, and most members are probably unaware of this 6-17 year old category. For those with younger children it is a complete rip off. Hopefully this blog will entice others to complain as well and then maybe David lloyd Leisure will finally listen and incorporate a fairer tiered membership fee structure.
The last correspondance I have recieved states simply; 'Whilst I appreciate this may not be the long term outcome you were hoping for, we do have to ensure that we are consistent throughout all our memberships'. My answer is; yes, you are, you are ripping off everyone (eg 3 months notice, no membership fee VAT decrease).