IN the spring of 2004 some different exercise equipment was installed in the gym at Queens Park leisure centre. These were second-hand pieces from Selwyn Jones sports club and have never worked properly since they were installed.

Despite repeated requests from staff no repairs or maintenance have ever been carried out. Why is there no contract in place to keep this equipment working? People are now leaving the gym to go to attend other venues where the equipment works and they get value for money.

The schools swimming classes and the swimming club have been moved to Parr baths. This will greatly reduce the number of clientele using Queens Park. Will the council then use this as an excuse next year to close the centre?

We have excellent and dedicated staff who must be as frustrated about this state of affairs as we clients are.

The showers are so hot they burn. The plumber said they need a new thermostatic valve but it is too expensive (they have been like this since last winter). Maybe this should be brought to the attention of Health and Safety?

We need all the leisure facilities that are left in St Helens, I hope we are not in the process of losing another one.

Maybe we should look at the way Liverpool has progressed since they got rid of their defunct Labour council. I have been a Labour supporter all my life but I think a change is needed at council level.

Queens Park customer (name & address supplied).