The Sobell Leisure Centre was established as part of the Sobell Foundation with the vision of providing first class sporting facilities within Islington that is accessible to all. 

With the Sobell Centre Islington's only ice rink, generations have benefited from the learn to ice skate program, with skaters - young and old - given the opportunity to gain new skills and confidence both on and off the ice. 

The Sobell Centre is now managed by GLL/Better. Several months ago, GLL without notification or consultation, started charging for entry and skate hire into the public practice sessions which was previously included in our contracts. As a result of this, the prices are unjustifiable as detailed below. 

Child, Beginner - Intermediate: Assume children attend one lesson a week and practice once a week with skate hire. Previously £49.90 now £73.36 equating to a price increase of 47%

Adult, Beginner - Intermediate: Assume adults attend one lesson a week and practice once a week without skate hire. Previously £49.90 now £67.12 equating to a price increase of 34.5%

Adult, Advanced: Assume adults attend once a week and practice twice a week without skate hire. Previously £49.90 now £84.34 equating to a price increase of 69%

in addition, the contracts for the lessons included a 2 week break over Christmas which was factored into the contract. We've had an additional 2 weeks over Easter and 4 weeks coming up over the school summer holidays where lessons have been cancelled yet no refunds have been issued. 

Many of us have requested GLL remediate these issues and communicate why these changes have been placed upon us without any communication or formal action. By creating this petition, I am hopeful this will nudge GLL to finally take action.