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KEEP back ... Motorcise manager Sue Bennett has to restrain members.
KEEP back ... Motorcise manager Sue Bennett has to restrain members.
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OAPs in protest over gym closure

Katie Storey
6/ 9/2008

PENSIONERS turned out in their hundreds on Wednesday afternoon to protest against the closure of Motorcise in Smith Street.

The crowd of angry women stopped traffic as they protested in the pouring rain outside the town centre fitness club, with some of them having to catch two buses just to turn out and show their support.

Motorcise manager Sue Bennett denies claims by insolvency company, Panos Eliades Franklin, that the centre was forced into liquidation due to falling membership, explaining that her records showed that the centre had 624 active members on 29 August, but was forced to close its doors just a day later.

Motorcise first went into liquidation in April, but was bought out by award-winning franchise business Energie Fitness for Women.

The Oldham branch could not be saved and over 160 members had to be relocated to Rochdale.

Members used the centre not only for physical fitness, but also as a social hub and have been outraged by the shock closure, with staff seeking reimbursement from the government after not receiving any wages for the past six-and-a-half weeks.

Ms Bennett said: "This is not just about the money – these ladies are very upset, it’s like a bereavement.

"The average age of our members is 55 plus, with our oldest lady being 93.

"The ladies that used the club had previously suffered strokes, heart attacks or have MS. We have specialist equipment here and there is no other club that can cater for them.

"When a lot of them come to the club they have no friends or family left and then they start to get to know each other and go out for lunches or coach trips and short breaks – the centre gave them a new lease of life.

"I’ve worked at the centre for over eight years. It’s not just a job, it’s a family.

"I just want something resolved for all these Rochdale and Oldham pensioners."

The members are now appealing for somebody to come forward to save Motorcise, whether this means taking over control of the town centre premises or recreating the health centre for over 50s at a new location.


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Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   This is really sad news for the many people especially the eldedrly that use Motorcise. I used Motorcise for a year when I was to over weight to use another Gym and it certainly was active and personally a great help to me in the time I used it. Apart from the exercise facility it had a lively lounge area where people paticularly the elderly could sit have a natter, put the world to rights and talk about days gone by. It was always full. Surely this is the type of facility Rochdale needs. Exercise and active minds.The Health Authorities and Rochdale Council should look at ways of keeping this place going. Whilst we all try to promote over 50's Motorcise has or had it all. This is very sad news.
Lynne Brosnan, Rochdale
9/09/2008 at 09:15
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