Access to taxpayer backed sports facilities being reduced

DESC says it's due to 'lower demand'

Access to facilities at a taxpayer funded sports facility in Douglas is being reduced.

The NSC Fitness Zone – which incorporates the gym and spa – will see its opening hours at weekends scaled back from January.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture says the change has been sparked by ‘lower demand’.

People will have three hours less to use the gym which will now close at 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays instead of 8pm.

The spa will shut at 4pm instead of 7pm.

Customers have been given a month’s notice of the changes.

The DESC has told Manx Radio it ‘remains committed to providing accessible services for people in the Isle of Man’.

It has not responded to requests for interview.