Catherine West MP: 'Save YMCA Crouch End fitness centre'

The Ham&High reported last week on the future of the YMCA fitness centre in Elmfield Avenue, Crouch End.

The YMCA told members, colleagues and instructors that it is looking at different options after facing a “significant financial loss”.

One option is to close the centre on April 28.

Colleagues have until March 23 to have their say on the centre’s future.

MP Catherine West called the announcement “sad news” and says she has asked YMCA for an urgent meeting.

She said: “It’s a very tough time for leisure centres at the moment and in Parliament I’ve been repeatedly urging the Government to do more to support the sector. 

“Low-cost fitness is vital for health and wellbeing, and it’s the community, all-ages feel of Crouch End Fitness that residents tell me is so important to them. 

“YMCA say no final decision has been made. I certainly don’t want to see it close, and I hope when they see the strength of feeling locally they’ll rethink."

The MP says she has already received many emails from constituents about their concerns of its closure and how they’re “desperate” for it to remain open.

The Ham&High is also aware of a campaign group set up in attempt to save the place.

Chris East, director of community and enterprise at YMCA, said: “As a valued charity at the heart of the local community, we want to be able to provide whatever facility best serves the wellbeing of local residents and the young people in our care, however, the energy cost increases and the opening of a competitor in the immediate vicinity have meant we must review all possible alternatives for the fitness centre.

“The closure of the fitness centre in its current form, which includes a gym floor and fitness classes, is one option but we remain open to suggestions from our members, accommodation residents and local residents alike as to what best suits their needs within the means available to us.

“A decision about the fitness centre has not yet been made.”