PARENTS have questioned a decision to close the crèche at Blackwater Leisure Centre.

The Standard revealed last week the crèche at the Maldon leisure centre would be closing immediately. The move left many users feeling abandoned by the gym, with some cancelling their memberships.

Gym users with young children used the crèche to allow them to exercise.

Kare Simpson, one of the parents disappointed at the closure of the gym, said the crèche had been poorly run.

She said: “This is supposed to be an accessible centre for all, however parents are now being discriminated against by withdrawing this facility.

“The crèche has been poorly managed for years. People with young families have been lured into joining this leisure centre with the belief that their, and their children’s, health and fitness will be catered for. For some parents, it is the only chance they have to exercise and unwind.

“It will be a disgrace if people have to leave our council-run leisure centre in favour of a private enterprise. They may be called Places for People, but they are not places for people with children.”

Mark Taylor, contracts manager at Blackwater, said: “Due to reduced demand, we have taken the difficult decision to withdraw the crèche service at Blackwater Leisure Centre.

“The crèche facility has become increasingly underused of late and the service is now unfortunately economically unviable to maintain.

“We have informed customers of our intention to adapt the current crèche area into a more versatile space, meeting the growing demand for extra classes and as a result significantly increasing centre participation.”