Help regarding accessible changing room closure

paultheboat
paultheboat Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited July 2024 in Everyday life
Hi. 
I am a member of a well known health club, one of the reasons I joined them is that they have an accessible/family changing room.
However? 6 months down the line they have closed the room off for changing and say they need to use it as a free airway to the pool for the air flow apparently 😐 
I've been in touch with the manager and he gave lots of excuses but didn't seem to think that this is a problem. 
The gents changing room is down a flight of stairs which I am lucky that I can do, the but anyone with more severe problems with mobility would be barred from using the pool. 
Any advice on how I can pursue this? 
Is I against the law? 
Thanks

Comments

  • durhamjaide2001
    durhamjaide2001 Scope Member Posts: 13,127 Championing
    Hi there I know everywhere has to have an accessible toilet but as far as changing rooms go I don't know. Instead of complaining could you maybe go down a different route why don't you try home workouts and equipment for the home. That way you are still keeping fit and not having the fight of an accessible changing room. You should be able to cancel your membership 
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Hello @paultheboat and welcome, I'm sorry to hear about what's happened at your health club. Is it run by the local authority? 

    I know that Citizens Advice has some useful information on the Equality Act 2010, and the need to make services accessible using reasonable adjustments:

    What’s meant by the duty to make reasonable adjustments?

    The Equality Act 2010 says changes or adjustments should be made to ensure you can access the following things if you’re disabled:

    I'd say this is worth flagging with your health club as a potential breach of that duty. You might like to speak to someone at Citizens Advice about it too, as it could be unlawful discrimination.

    Let us know how you get on, and please reach out if you feel we can assist further :) 

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