USERS of council-run leisure centres across Blackburn with Darwen are angry at a £10 induction charge – but the council insist it’s good value for money.

Michael Leigh, who lives in the Bold Venture area of Darwen was so angry at the “silly” charge, he and his wife decided against joining the town’s new leisure centre.

Mr Leigh said: “Although I have used many gyms over the years I don’t have any issue with having to do any kind of induction.

“The issue I have is that it would cost me £10 for the priviledge of this compulsory induction, and that my wife and I couldn’t do it at the same time, costing us £20.

“We had an induction at our current gym which we didn’t have to pay for.”

He added: “During all the hype and publicity regarding getting local people fit for free, I can’t ever remember it mentioned that every single person would have to pay £10 for a silly induction.”

Steve Rigby, director of culture, leisure and sport at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “Previously there was both a joining and an induction fee in place for new members who joined council gyms, totalling £22.

“In October 2009 it was decided to scrap the joining fee and have a single induction fee of £10.

"Centres notified users of the change and all new members are informed.

“The quality of the induction session has also been significantly improved”.

Under the council’s re:fresh scheme, anyone who lives, works, is in full-time education or whose GP practice is in Blackburn with Darwen qualifies for free leisure.

There are no joining fees for facilities and gym usage is still free for re:fresh users at various times at all centres across the borough.

Accessing the gym with a beeZ card for someone not eligible for re:fresh is £4.30 per session.