Cheeky swimmers avoid splashing out

12:18pm Wednesday 12th December 2007

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SWIMMERS could be slipping through the net at a Dorchester leisure centre for a dip without paying.

But the loss of income would not merit costly investment in equipment to catch them, councillors decided.

Rosie Darkin, finance manager at West Dorset District Council, told members of its audit and governance committee that staff spot check receipts after people have gone through the reception area at Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre.

The fitness suite is closely monitored and checked by staff.

Other areas, including classes, are also monitored allowing none or little abuse of the system.

Nick Thornley, the council's community enabling manager, had reported that: "Swimming is the only real area of concern as regards loss of income due to poor access controls. But the value of loss per user is £2.50 on a casual basis and income in most areas, especially swimming, is doing well."

He stated that if 10 people had a swim without paying, the amount would be around £1,300 a year.

Ms Darkin presented the report in response to questions raised by committee members including Peter Read at a previous meeting about losses caused by people dodging payment for sessions.

Members agreed that it would not be worth investing in swipecard systems or turnstiles because of the high costs of installation and the prospect of a new centre and swimming pool being built on the site.