Fears over price increases at Kettering Leisure Village

Kettering Leisure Village was saved from closure earlier this year

Groups that use a recently rescued leisure complex fear sharp rent increases could drive them out.

Kettering Leisure Village (KLV), which houses the Lighthouse Theatre, Balance Health Club and Arena Sports Centre, was due to close earlier this year.

However, a campaign from people in the town and a grant from North Northamptonshire Council kept it open.

Phoenix Leisure Management, which runs the site, said the price increases followed none for the last five years.

KLV was due to shut on 3 July when the then operator Compass said it was no longer sustainable to run.

It was then saved, with more than 15,000 people signing a petition to keep it open.

Phoenix Leisure Management took over the running of the site and has since put up rent for some groups.

Saints Wheelchair Rugby team use Kettering Leisure Village due to the size of the court and the facilities

Gerry Mac, captain of Saints Wheelchair Rugby team, said: "For a year it was costing £3,750, but now it's gone up by an extra £3,000."

He said he was "negotiating" with Phoenix Leisure Management, but described the increase as "a bit steep for a community group".

Mr Mac said he had offers of fundraising "which is music to our ears", but was looking at a more long-term way to fund the increase.

He said there were no other arenas available in the county which offered the same facilities for the team.

'Compromise'

North Northamptonshire Labour councillor Keli Watts, who represents the Northall ward that includes KLV, said the squash and badminton clubs had also seen rent rise by more than 60%.

She said the gym price had also gone up and there needed to be a compromise.

"If you don't have users there, you don't have a business," she said.

Phoenix Leisure Management said: "Following a complete review of the business, and given the increased costs in running the facility, a price increase was introduced across all areas during September.

"The previous operator had not implemented any price increases for the last five years and also had not invested in the facilities."

It said there would be investment in the complex in 2024 and it would continue to talk to the groups that use the site.