Mums say they are 'devastated' at the decision to close free creche facilities at their gyms.
Having the creche available for their little ones is a 'lifeline' say the parents as they would otherwise struggle for childcare while they exercise.
However Life Leisure, which runs the leisure centres in Stockport, says not enough people have been making use of the facilities and, with the added financial impact of the pandemic, they will be closing at the end of March.
The six sites affected are Life Leisure Avondale, Brinnington Park Leisure Complex, Life Leisure Cheadle, Life Leisure Hazel Grove, Life Leisure Stockport Sports Village and Life Leisure Romiley.
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More than 1,000 parents have already signed a petition against the closures.
Natalie Meadows, who set up the petition on change.org, said: "I’ve got to know the amazing ladies who work at the Romiley site and am devastated for them and the loss of the lifeline this facility offers parents like myself.
"Mothers in particular have had an incredibly tough few years with support hard to access. A chance to have your child cared for whilst you exercise and do something for yourself is so beneficial. Life Leisure offered this in a way that was far more affordable than other gyms but the service has never been well advertised.
"This decision seems shortsighted based on the fact that anxiety around Covid is lessening and interest in playgroups and mum and baby groups is on the increase."
Mum Ashlie Leah uses the Brinnington site and says she'll have no option than to cancel her £34.99 a month membership if the closure goes ahead.
"Honestly without it I’m going to have to cancel, I’m devastated," said Ashlie, whose sons, aged one and five, both use the creche.
"Us mums need it open so we can keep active, for me it’s important for mental health.
"Without the creche many will simply have to cancel their membership because not many have that family support. For some it’s a lifeline, being able to get to the gym and having somewhere for their child to go.
"It improves parents' mental health being able to exercise, also knowing their children are being cared for by the creche team."
Michaela Pennington, CEO of Life Leisure, the trading name of Stockport Sports Trust, said: “Life Leisure is a charity that invests all surpluses back into the community and the free creche at six of our centres has been a long standing example of this.
"However, since reopening our centres following the pandemic, a significant reduction in our income coupled with a decline in usage - with less than two percent of members and on average just four children per day using each of our 6 creche facilities – mean this service is no longer viable."
She added: "With deep regret we have therefore made the difficult decision to close the free creche facilities at Life Leisure. We are in consultation with current users of the facility to discuss different options, and are working closely with 24 members of staff to find alternative positions for those who wish to remain at Life Leisure.”
Are you a member of Life Leisure? Will you have to cancel your membership if the free creches close? Let us know in the comments here.
