Southend Council leader Howard Briggs has pledged to take a fresh look at price increases at the borough's leisure centres following scores of complaints.

There have been concerns from many users at the new scale of fees which came into operation on May 1.

Young mums and unemployed people, as well as the elderly have complained they are not able to afford the new charges.

Mr Briggs said he was aware of the complaints which had been made about the new charges and had promised to look into them.

He added: "At the moment I am awaiting a report on the situation and until I get this I cannot really say a great deal about the issue."

The issue was raised with Mr Briggs by the leader of the council's Liberal Democrat group, Graham Longley.

Mr Longley said: "Our members have received a lot of complaints from the public and it is clear there is a lot of concern throughout the borough."

Netball teams from across the borough have been badly affected by the new price changes.

Members of the Saxon netball team were left in "complete shock" when they booked a court at Southend's Garon Park and were told that instead of paying the usual £11.50 they would have to fork out £32 for use of the facility.

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo