THE cost of gym memberships and leisure activities in Wirral is set to rise three months earlier than planned as part of the council’s bid to offset a projected budget shortfall.

Cllr Phillip Brightmore, Wirral Council’s cabinet member for leisure and recreation, approved the decision on Tuesday to increase ‘pay and play’ fees and Invigor8 gym membership in January.

That’s three months earlier than the traditional date for increases in April – the start of the financial year.

The notice of the decision taken by Cllr Brightmore, published to the Wirral Council website on Tuesday, said: “This early implementation is to help off-set a projected budget shortfall in leisure services account for 2018/19.”

The decision was initially agreed by the cabinet in February, and Cllr Brightmore said: “We’ve invested more than £2 million in making sure our leisure centres are of the best possible quality.

"We’ve improved our centres in Leasowe, West Kirby, Bebington and we’ve plans for even more improvements in Woodchurch, Birkenhead and more.

"We’re determined to provide Wirral residents with the best possible quality services.

“Broadly in line with inflation, there will be a small price increase for some services, which is still cheaper than most other gyms and fitness centres.

"Users of these facilities can enjoy new equipment, early morning classes and extended opening times in many areas.”

The price rises will include for example junior Pitch ‘n’ Put prices rising by 10p from £2.20 to £2.30, off-peak swimming for adults rising by 25p from £4.75 to £5, and an hour’s use of the Oval Ski Slope rising from £4.35 to £4.55 for adults.

The Invigor8 memberships include use of the council’s seven gyms, 10 pools and over 350 exercise classes per week across the borough.

Current members will see their prices unchanged, alongside other costs such as tennis and football pitch hire, which will remain the same.

From January, it will offer two new products: a monthly ‘saver’ membership priced at £18.50 and a monthly ‘daytime’ membership priced at £23.50.

Single site membership will also be available across the borough. Prices include £24.50 at Leasowe and Guinea Gap £24.50 and £20 at Woodchurch.

Cllr Brightmore added: “Wirral Council leisure centres give an excellent and improving service, unrivalled throughout the borough.

"We have got to run these centres commercially, and ensure they bring in revenue, so we can maintain our proud position of never closing leisure facilities and keeping them open for all residents to enjoy.”