Don't cancel FitLife membership – Moray councillor's plea
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A LOCAL councillor has urged leisure centre users against cancelling their FitLife memberships after Moray Council temporarily closed facilities.
Moray leisure centres, pools and libraries will close from the end of play today as a coronavirus prevention measure.
Elgin's Moray Leisure Centre (MLC) operates independently under the company Moray Leisure, and has a partnership with the council whereby it receives an annual subsidy.
The centre had seen healthier subscription numbers at the end of last year after a fitness suite upgrade and the introduction of more classes.
Conservative group leader Councillor Tim Eagle said: "It is such a shame to see our leisure facilities shutting, but the health of the population must be our priority in this very difficult time.
"I have been contacted by members of the council leisure card, FitLife, who wish to cancel during the closure.
"I can happily advise that this was discussed during a group leaders' meeting earlier today with the outcome that all direct debits will be suspended during the closure. This means you will not pay for FitLife if you have bought your card through a Moray Council facility.
"I am aware MLC have posted their own thoughts and I urge people to remember MLC is a separate organisation and not run by the council.
"If you have purchased your card through a Moray Council-run centre, you will not be charged."
Cllr Eagle said cancellations would worsen the situation. He said: "If everyone cancels then this will cause a huge problem for staff and the centres when restrictions are lifted again and surely no one wants to see local facilities in trouble, and that I would hope extends to MLC as well.
"I have written to the sports development manager and the facilities manager to ask if during the closure we could keep in contact with customers and perhaps provide tips, advice and web links to keep active in the home during isolation.
"With our young people now at home – for maybe many weeks – it is vital we all look to keep active."
MLC said its priority was to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of employees, their families and its customers.
It added: "On the basis the charity will continue to pay our staff during this challenging period we are hopeful that our FitLife members will continue to pay their monthly subscriptions, effectively as a charity donation.
"This will help us retain our dedicated staff and ensure the facility is prepared for reopening."
MLC plans to launch an online programme for members to remain fit and healthy throughout the closure.
