Swim teacher 'worried' about leisure centre change

A swimming teacher said she feared lessons could be disrupted at the leisure centre she works at after a new operator takes over.

West Northamptonshire Council has planned to transfer the management of several Trilogy Active-run sites across Northampton to Everyone Active from April, including Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Lings Forum and Mounts Baths.

Trish Caswell, who teaches swimming at the Mounts Baths, said there had been a lack of communication over the move and what it could mean for staff and classes.

The council and Everyone Active said they were "confident" the leisure centre offering would "continue to strengthen, with increased opportunities for residents to be active and engaged".

"I'm worried that Everyone Active will not keep us on. We were initially reassured that [the swimming class] would be kept on, but communication has not been good," Caswell said.

The Grade II listed Art Deco Mounts Baths, in Northampton, was built in 1936.

The council said there would be a "comprehensive programme of modernisation and refurbishment" at the centre.

There would also be discounts for young people who had lived in care, carers, armed forces personnel, veterans, emergency services workers, students and those over state pension age.

At Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Mel Joy said she had cancelled her membership because of uncertainty over future prices.

Speaking to Annabel Amos on BBC Radio Northampton, she said: "Some of the members in the 50-plus group, our little community, have said going to Duston is out of range."

Trilogy Active said its "priority remains our customers... and we will continue to share updates during the transition including new services being delivered in 2026".

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.