SIR – Re: David Paine’s article of September 7, with the build-up to Christmas and the new year approaching, the advertising has also started in earnest for gym memberships.
Now would be a great time to remind readers of the financial perils that can be in the terms and conditions.
It makes sad reading to search the internet and find scores of complaints.
The problem is so established that the Office of Fair Trading has special documents that warn of the key dangers.
We recently received a letter at work offering a ‘bargain’ gym deal for the first 75 applicants.
Advertised at £2.99 per week, I went to check it out. It turned out that there was a minimum subscription period of three years, payable only by direct debit.
On reading the terms, the direct debit agreement/contract is with a different company, not the gym itself.
Worse still, even if you cancel the agreement, you still have to pay the remaining subscription. If the gym closes, you will also still have to pay all remaining dues.
Needless to say, I did not sign up.
Readers, be very careful and check the terms and conditions when thinking of signing up to a gym.
A Cross
Worcester
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