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Mum Suzy Doutch’s fury over 'filthy' state of pool floors at Strood Leisure Centre

A mother described Strood Leisure Centre as disgusting after finding clumps of hair, spillages and dirty conditions.

Suzy Doutch complained to staff after taking her eight-year-old daughter Megan to a swimming lessons at the sports complex in Watling Street.

But she claimed an hour later, as she was about to leave, nothing had been done to clean the changing room.

There were said to be spillages at the leisure centre
There were said to be spillages at the leisure centre

It is not the first time Mrs Doutch has raised concerns about the lack of cleanliness.

And after posting her comments on social media, it sparked a flurry of similar remarks.

Mrs Doutch is even more incensed as the council-owned facility has undergone a £1.9m facelift over the last two years.

The mother of two, of Englefield Crescent, Cliffe Woods, takes her daughter for weekly lessons and pays up to £110 for membership.

She said: “All I want is somewhere clean to take my daughter. That’s not much to ask. I am told that the gym side is just as bad with no paper in the toilets.”

Mrs Doutch wrote on Facebook: “Should we tolerate Strood Swimming Pool...I reported the filthy floors to a member of staff over an hour ago and nothing has been done.

"THIS IS DISGUSTING MEDWAY COUNCIL. This is the centre you recently spent £1.9m on and you can’t run a mop around!!!”

Improvements have included a new studio for spinning classes, a bar to replace the cafe, refurbished studios, revamped fitness centre and expanded squash courts.

Suzy Doutch posted this image on Facebook
Suzy Doutch posted this image on Facebook

Cllr Andy Stamp, Labour’s spokesman for community services, said: “While I can’t comment directly because I have not seen first hand, there has been significant investment here and it is disappointing if the public are not happy.

"I would also urge people to raise concerns with the council’s leisure department.

“At the same time perhaps customers themselves should take more pride in the facilities.”

Cllr Howard Doe, the cabinet member in charge of leisure, said: “We and our customers expect a high quality of cleanliness at all of our facilities.

"It was disappointing to hear that the conditions at Strood Leisure Centre were not up to scratch.

“Whilst Cllr Stamp’s engagement is positive, it is somewhat disingenuous to blame poor cleanliness on leisure cuts.

Strood sports centre
Strood sports centre

“I will speak with staff to ensure that the affected areas are thoroughly checked to meet our high standards.”

Some of Facebook comments include: “That’s revolting; I use the gym there and the toilets are disgusting.

“The amount of money they must get from everyone’s membership; looks grimy.”

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