The members and users of Hartham Leisure Centre, call on Everyone Active and East Herts District Council to urgently address two longstanding issues that continue to affect members despite repeated complaints.

As paying members and local residents, we expect a leisure centre that is safe, comfortable and accessible. We believe the following issues require urgent action.

1. Repair the air conditioning

The gym has experienced ongoing problems with its air conditioning, leaving members to exercise in uncomfortable and at times, excessively hot conditions. Many members have raised concerns over a long period without seeing a lasting solution.

For some members, this is more than an inconvenience. Those living with pre-existing health conditions may be at greater risk when exercising in excessive heat, making the current situation a genuine health and safety concern. We ask that the air conditioning is repaired as a matter of urgency and that members are provided with regular updates and a clear timetable for completion.

2. Improve parking

Parking at Hartham Leisure Centre is regularly insufficient for the number of people using the facilities. Members who pay for access should not have to spend excessive time searching for a parking space or risk missing classes because there are simply not enough spaces available.

The issue is often made worse when multiple classes, sporting activities and other events are scheduled at the same time without sufficient consideration of the available parking capacity. This frequently results in the car park reaching full capacity, leaving members unable to park or arriving late for activities they have paid to attend.

We ask Everyone Active and East Herts District Council to review parking capacity and consider how the scheduling of classes and events affects parking demand, ensuring that members can access the facilities they pay for.

We call on Everyone Active and East Herts District Council to:

1) Repair the gym's air conditioning as a priority.

2) Publish a clear timetable for the repairs and keep members informed of progress.

3) Review parking capacity and implement practical improvements.

4) Take parking capacity into account when scheduling multiple classes, sporting activities and events.

5) Listen to members' concerns and engage with us on meaningful solutions.

This petition is not intended to criticise the staff at Hartham Leisure Centre, who work hard to support members every day. Our concerns relate to the management and long-term operation of the facility. We simply ask Everyone Active and East Herts District Council to listen to their members, address these longstanding issues and provide the safe, accessible and well-managed leisure centre that the local community deserves.