Colchester tennis players and gym-goers slam David Lloyd Clubs

David Lloyd Clubs’ Colchester complex, in United Way, has been described as “appallingly apathetic” over its treatment of its loyal customers.

According to upset members, including doctor Jose Morales, 35, only three of the facility’s eight “luxury” tennis courts have been in operation since September.

In addition to the NHS worker, “disappointed” Michael Grove has also raised concerns over the site’s current lack of outdoor playing surfaces.

He says memberships have actually been increased and customers have been told no compensation will be offered for the out-of-action courts.

Mr Grove said: “This must be a breach of our terms and conditions? David Lloyd obviously does not care about their members.

“Would you pay to go swimming, even though there was no water to swim in? Or would you pay for a meal that is not fit for purpose? I don’t think so.”

Bosses at David Lloyd Clubs have since said they are having trouble reinstating their damaged tennis bubble, the large dome which shelters the playing surfaces in winter.

Despite this, they have refused to issue refunds and even suggested members “use other local clubs’ tennis facilities” while they wait.

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Another disgruntled member, who has asked to remain anonymous has been left dissatisfied with David Lloyd Clubs’ excuses and upset of its lack of empathy.

She said: “I, like all members who joined the club to play tennis all year round, feel since September last year we have been short changed.

“The bubble is supposed to be taken down in April or May and then put back in September but this didn’t happen last year.

“The reasons given changed from day-to-day and then in January the monthly fees were increased by an average of ten per cent, rubbing salt into the wounds.

“The refusal to offer compensation and the suggestion to ‘use other clubs’ facilities’ were both inconsiderate and disrespectful to the members.”

Mr Morales, who pays more than £250 a month for a joint membership, says during a recent trip to the club his partner Toni Holden, 31, could also not access any Jacuzzis.

He also says there is often no available parking, the kitchen closes at short notice and the changing rooms are left in what he describes as a “disgusting state”.

Furthermore, club facilities are also said to be frequently suspended so comedy evenings, entertainment performances and speed dating events can be held instead.

Lucy Longhurst also says her husband was previously offered very little help from club management after falling victim to thefts in the gym on two occasions.

A David Lloyd Clubs spokesman said: "We’ve tried to keep our annual increase as low as possible by absorbing as many of the cost increases that we can, which have been caused by soaring inflation across all areas of our business including energy costs.  

"We’d like to apologise to members at David Lloyd Colchester for the ongoing issues with our tennis courts bubble and would like to thank them for their patience.

"The original issue was caused largely by weather damage, but delays to its repairs and reinstallation have been impacted by supplier issues.

"We understand how frustrating this has been and we’re doing all we can to reopen the facility as quickly as possible.”