Perdiswell Leisure Centre lift reopen after two were broken

Two lifts at Perdiswell Leisure Centre that provided access to gym facilities for less mobile users were out of action before reopening this week.

One had been reportedly closed for eight months and another had been closed for six weeks.

It led Worcester City Councillor and disability rights campaigner Elena Round to call for an urgent review of the service to make it more inclusive. 

READ MORE: Leisure centre in Worcestershire is 'excellent' says assessor

Worcester City Councillor and disability rights campaigner Elena Round (Image: Elena Round) Worcester News contacted Perdiswell Leisure but it has not provided a comment within the given deadline. 

Cllr Round said: "I became aware that there were issues at Perdiswell when a city resident contacted me to express concerns about the lack of maintenance for gym equipment at the leisure centre. 

"Upon making further enquiries, I found the issue was actually more serious.

"I was dismayed to discover that two lifts which are used by those with disabilities to access the gym facilities have been out of action for some time. 

Outside Perdiswell Leisure Centre. (Image: Newsquest) "It was not acceptable that in this day and age people with disabilities, a protected group in our society as determined by the Equality Act, are denied access to leisure facilities in this way."

Cllr Round had requested officers from Worcester City Council to meet with the management of the leisure centre as a matter of urgency.

READ MORE: Councillor calls for investigation into SEND services

"I was also concerned to hear that the only disabled changing facility is a shared one used by parent and baby groups," she added.

"Those living with disabilities and long-term health conditions deserved better.

 "I'm pleased to see that the lift has been fixed and the leisure centre is accessible again, though it is disappointing that it took so long. 

"I would like to see the management being more aware of accessibility as the centre should be a facility that can be used by all residents".

Earlier this year, Perdiswell Leisure Centre was given an 'Excellent' rating from Quest Accreditation.

Quest, widely accepted as the industry's benchmark for superior UK leisure facilities, scrutinised numerous aspects of Perdiswell's operation to validate its high service and performance standards.

In its assessment, it found Perdiswell exemplary in several zones, praising its commitment to customer satisfaction and operational prowess.