Spa row is bubbling up (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Spa row is bubbling up

A ROW is bubbling up over a decision not to include a spa at Cirencester's new leisure centre.

Customers are angry that although the current facility has one, and a jacuzzi was included in original plans for the new centre, project managers have now removed the spa from the design.

Cotswold District Council says the move is in line with a national trend and that the decision was partly made on hygiene grounds.

But, although the new centre will now be equipped with an additional treatment room instead, some leisure centre users are unhappy.

Fred Whalley, from Cirencester, said: "It is a pity that our council does not advertise the fact that changes have been made.

"Lots of people I speak to enjoy the spa and find it good therapy for aching muscles and sprains, etc. It is very relaxing and therapeutic."

While Anne Webb, of Siddington Road, Cirencester, added: "The facility will be much missed by members who use it on a regular basis and who also benefit from that usage.

"The spa is very therapeutic both mentally and physically and should certainly be included as a facility in the new leisure centre."

The new centre is being built on the site of the former Cirencester Cattle Market, immediately next to the existing Cotswold Leisure Centre.

The project, which is due to be completed early next year, has already had its share of controversy.

Local residents, including the Cirencester Civic Society, criticised the initial design, and then centre users were up in arms when the council's ruling Tory group considered cost-cutting options, which included plans to build the centre without a swimming pool or a sports hall.

Councillors eventually decided to proceed with the original plans.

And the authority has now defended its stance over the spa omission.

A council spokesman said: "The reasons are two-fold. Firstly, we are responding to customer demand and secondly, we are acting on recent national concerns about illnesses linked to spa baths.

"Early last year, it came to our attention that private and public leisure centres were experiencing increasing problems with infections and illnesses passed on by bacteria in spa bath water.

"The new health suite will feature a sauna, steam room, shower area and relax area.

"In addition, instead of the spa, there will be two treatment rooms.

"This mirrors national trends in moving away from spas towards advances in power-showers and treatment rooms for uses such as aromatherapy, beauty treatments and massage.

"We are sorry if current users of the leisure centre are disappointed that there will not be a spa bath in the new building, but we very much hope the quality of the other new facilities will more than make up for this."

The spokesman said the council is "anxious" to reassure people using the current spa that it is safe - daily checks are carried out and the whole system is disinfected.

In addition, monthly samples from the spa are taken to the Gloucester Public Health Laboratory for bacteriological tests.