Suffolk leisure operators have added their voices to calls for the government to help leisure centres and swimming pools that could have to close because of the energy crisis.
Campaigners from across the country have warned that hundreds of fitness centres and swimming pools could face closure when financial support for their energy bills is stopped in April.
Dave Courteen is managing director of Riverhills Health Club and Spa in Bramford, near Ipswich, and a board member of ukactive, the UK's leading not-for-profit health body for the physical activity sector.
He fears that without continued support thousands of facilities are at risk of permanent closure as they face bills up to 200% higher than normal.
He said: “We have taken a massive hit with regards to utility bills. It seems the government has lost touch and is making it much harder for businesses like us - which are important for people's wellbeing - to survive.
“We need specific support for our sector and if we don’t get it it will sadly spell the end for many businesses.”
More than 200 organisations and individuals have written a letter to the Prime Minister asking him to retain government support.
The signatories of the letter range from major health bodies to sport’s national governing bodies, and the nation’s biggest fitness and leisure groups, while athletes such as Rebecca Adlington and celebrities including Davina McCall have also added their support.
Local authorities who run leisure facilities are also backing the call which comes just days after West Suffolk council increased its support for Bury St Edmunds swimming pool.
Jo Rayner, deputyleader of West Suffolk Council, said: "The value of swimming is indisputable. It is a vital life skill, helps physical and mental wellbeing and is something all ages and abilities can share and enjoy.
"But with soaring utility and energy prices leisure centres with pools are expensive to run.
"However, we see the health and wellbeing of West Suffolk as a priority and, with partners, have been investing in creating successful and nationally ground-breaking centres linking in with NHS services.
"In addition we have put an extra £300,000 in our budget to help prevent pool closures in West Suffolk."
On the other side of the county East Suffolk council leader Steve Gallant said: “We are acutely aware of the impact of rising energy costs on facilities operated on the council’s behalf by our leisure partners.
“The sustainability of our leisure centres is vital to ensuring that the health and wellbeing needs of our communities are met.
“I will be writing to the Government to reiterate the importance of leisure and sports centres to our communities, and to encourage additional support for the sector in these challenging times.”
Ipswich portfolio holder for sport and leisure Bryony Rudkin said: “The council has been hit by significant cost increases outside of its control and the additional money we have received from the Government hasn’t been anywhere near enough to cover those pressures.
"The economic situation and high inflation continues to have a significant impact on services and income levels and there remains a degree of uncertainty about how these might change.
"However, there are no plans for either closure or a reduction in hours at any of our sports facilities because of the increases we have incurred in energy costs.”
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