ELDERLY gym-goers have had their hopes dashed, after the council confirmed that a popular gym will not be retained when Montem Leisure Centre closes next year.

Users of the Wellbeing Gym (also known as the Feel-Good Factory), at Montem Leisure Centre, have been left disappointed that the gym and its machines will not be transferred to the new Centre in Farnham Road.

Jean Sullivan, 70, of Wiltshire Avenue, Slough, started a petition that went on to gather 245 signatures, in order to persuade Slough Borough Council (SBC) to retain the much-loved gym. However, SBC confirmed that the gym will not be retained. 

Jean Sullivan, 70, of Wiltshire Avenue, Slough, said: “It’s such a shame.”, all that machinery just going to waste.

“It’s wasn’t just elderly people, there’s people who have had knee operations, people who have had strokes. One man who had a stroke has really improved since coming to the gym. There’s a lady who’s 80 who uses it, and one woman comes all the way from Bracknell.

“It’s so helpful, surely they have provisions somewhere else?”

“I told the boys and girls I’d try, and that’s all I can do.”

In response the petition, SBC wrote: “The new leisure centre on Farnham Road is smaller than Montem Leisure Centre, and as a result transferring services have been reduced. Unfortunately, there are no other council-owned facilities within Slough that can accommodate the equipment.

SBC promised that the new leisure centre would provide an appropriate services to replace the gym.

SBC wrote: “Classes such as seated exercise, yoga, healthy walks, and tai chi will continue to be available, which would be suitable for members that would benefit from gentler exercise. The new centre will also have a large café area where members can continue to socialise.

“We are positive that you will be exceptionally happy with the new facilities planned for both Langley Leisure Centre and the new leisure centre when they open.

“The gym will remain open until February 2019., when Montem Leisure Centre will close to the public."