A LEISURE centre has been accused of charging ‘extortionate prices’ for its ‘massively restricted facilities’.

The cost of swimming sessions at Stokewood in Bournemouth are the ‘talk of the changing rooms’, according to its users.

The centre has confirmed plans for a 12-week-long refurbishment to its changing facilities, beginning in the new year.

George MacDonald, a regular swimmer at Stokewood, is now arguing for the “already expensive” prices to be reduced during this period.

The 59-year-old said: “We’ve been told there will be days when you can’t shower, and you have to come ‘swim ready’.

“I suggested they give people ten free swims between now and March, or reduce the entry fee while the facilities are massively restricted.

“I’ve emailed about it three times, and I’ve had absolutely nothing back.”

George, from Branksome, is not a member at the leisure centre put pays £6.50 a session to use the pool.

He said: “£6.50 is a tremendous amount of money for a swim. That doesn’t include a sauna or anything.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of the proposed changing room designCGI of the proposed changing room design (Image: BH Live)

“I want to be able to have a normal swim, but not feel every time that I’m being massively overcharged for a facility that could really be improved.”

George also complained that the pool at Stokewood is often “unusable”, with so many swimmers coming over from the Littledown Centre after it closed at the beginning of December for 'essential maintenance work’.

He added: “There’s no changing facilities for the gym, so all the changing is in the changing room for the swimming pool. You regularly can’t get a locker.”

The Daily Echo put George’s concerns to BH Live, who confirmed Stokewood’s refurbishment would begin on January 2 – the same day Littledown is due to re-open.

A spokesperson for BH Live added: “These improvements will make a big difference to the facilities at Stokewood.

"During the Stokewood changing room works, which are estimated to take 12 weeks, changing facilities and lockers at Stokewood will be available, however, we are advising customers to arrive swim-ready and to shower at home.

"We appreciate that this causes some temporary disruption so we work hard to ensure that wherever possible, works don’t overlap and customers can access alternative nearby facilities."

BH Live then said George is encouraged to speak with one of the team at Stokewood who can assist with any questions or queries.