Almost 1,300 scheduled classes were cancelled at Council-owned venues in the ABC borough in the first nine months of 2024, it can be revealed.
This figure equates to 13% of all classes, however, the smaller, more rural, centres are the hardest hit.
In Keady the figure increases to 24% (102 classes); in Richhill its 22% (111 classes) and goes as high as 28% (62 classes) in Gilford.
Even the larger sites have not been exempted, with 83 classes cancelled in the Orchard Leisure Centre in Armagh and 430 classes cancelled in the South Lakes Leisure Centre in Craigavon.
SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon says the figures presented by Council are “astonishing” and has called for reassurances that services will be protected.
“Over recent months I have been contacted by users of a number of our local leisure centres rising concerns at the number of classes being cancelled, some at short notice and some in advance,” explained Councillor O’Hanlon.
“These classes, particular in our rural centres, are a vital offering and they must be delivered.
“I asked officers to provide details of the number of classes cancelled across the council’s leisure centre network and was astonished what was revealed. In the first nine months of this year over 1,200 classes or 13% of them were cancelled.
“These are astonishing statistics and have only been uncovered when members of the public raised the issue with me.”
The classes impacted are right across the Aqua Fit, Cardio, Boxercise, Core Strength, Pilates and Yoga.
Councillor O’Hanlon added: “Whilst I appreciate that the council organise over 9,500 classes across the centres over the period, the fact that almost 1,300 classes were cancelled should be sending alarm bells ringing.
“Council need to take immediate steps to have classes covered. If staff are on annual leave or sick then cover should be arranged. If it’s due to lack of skilled staff then we need to improve and speed up our recruitment processes.
“These services are too important to the centres concerned; equally, I would be very concerned that a reduction in throughput could be used as a justification for service reduction in some locations, when the truth is that council have pulled anything from 10-28% of classes; depending on locations.
“I have sought assurances that things will improve and will continue to press for improvements in the time ahead.”
Armagh I reached out to Council for comment but did not receive one at the time of publication.
