KEEP-FIT enthusiasts have accused a Bolton gym of breach of contract after introducing charges for aerobics classes after enticing them to join with special offers.

The Bolton Evening News has been swamped with callers who complained that the charges had been introduced completely out of the blue.

MKM Health Club at Nelson Street has been open since January 1994 and until recently aerobics classes were free. The club introduced the £25 charge on October 7.

Furious members claim that they were told that the initial joining fee covered the use of all facilities, except sunbeds.

And they are angry because the increase has been introduced while their existing membership, which they thought covered everything except sunbeds, was still valid.

Janet Crook, 39, of Stopes Road in Little Lever, paid £50 for a year's membership and has been attending aerobics classes for three months.

She has contacted Trading Standards about the situation and said: "I could understand if the increase was applied to new members or when existing memberships are up for renewal.

"But existing members will also have to pay before their membership has expired. Maybe even a £5 increase would have been okay. But £25 is equal to a 50 per cent rise.

"The only written rules the club have relate to the breaking of equipment or causing a disturbance. But a verbal contract has been breached.

"I will be writing to MKM for compensation or my money back."

MKM spokesman Lee Johnson said: "When the members took out a 12-month membership at our health club it was explained clearly that the membership included the separate ladies' gymnasium, the separate male and female saunas, the pool, jacuzzi and steam room, use of the exercise room when empty and free car parking.

"They were not told verbally or in a written contract that aerobics, step and body conditioning classes were included for 12 months.

"They WERE told that at the time we were giving free aerobic, step and body conditioning classes for a limited period only.

Members who join from October 7 will pay an extra £25 for their membership. Existing members paying the extra £25 will be issued with a second membership card allowing admission to aerobics classes as well as to other facilities as stated by Mr Johnson.

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