“OUR community is being torn apart” was one parent’s reaction after fitness company Everyone Active announced that Hart Gymnastics Club would be forced to close within six weeks.

Parents, coaches and members of the club were sent a letter last week stating that the club, which has been a hub of gymnastics for people across the area for 26 years, will no longer be operational at the new Hart Leisure Centre.

The new leisure centre, which cost £23million, welcomes 43 members of the gymnastics club each week to train for competitions with many of the gymnasts from Hartley Wintney and Odiham.

But now, they have been told the club will no longer operate.

One parent, who wished not to be named, said: “It was the heartbeat of our community this club and now our children are not able to train there – our community is being torn apart.

“Judging by the letters we have received it’s mainly being closed due to funding.”

James Taplin, whose son is a member of the club, said: “We have a son in a quite female dominated squad – he has never felt more at home or welcomed than where he is now.

“It is quite gut-wrenching that Everyone Active is replacing fun for funds; clearly there is an aspect of financial return ahead of the surrounding community.

“We are in shock at the way you (Everyone Active) has treated this much loved and respected club – not only issuing notice, but a paltry six weeks at that.”

Sascha Mitchell, another parent, added: “The children and coaches work extremely hard and compete in competitions at county and regional level achieving excellent results.

“There are some very talented children in the club. By closing the club it is taking away opportunities from all these children.

“Everyone Active has let down a lot of young gymnasts.“

Many of the children have already entered into competitions later in the year and will now have no official club to train with, meaning they will have to join other clubs in places such as Basingstoke.

Everyone Active, who according to their website are “proven to encourage everyone to be more active”, confirmed with coaches that their jobs would not be lost as they would continue to teach gymnastics on Saturdays.
Gemma Hicks, a coach at the club, said it was sad that the club were being forced to close.

“Hopefully we can find a space to keep the club going,” she said.

“It’s sad because for so many of us coaches we joined the club when we were younger and have continued our association with the club in order to teach the next generation of gymnasts.”

Everyone Active took over the management of Hart Leisure Centre in February.

David Love, the area contract manager at Everyone Active, explained that whilst the club may no longer be active it would ensure that “an equal amount of gymnastics time that was available to club” would still be on offer.

Mr Love said: “Everyone Active has completed a comprehensive review of the centre’s gymnastics offer, including that of Hart Gymnastics Club.

“In order to increase the opportunities available for children to train in gymnastics and stay healthy, the decision was made to change the current competitive squad programme to an alternative comprehensive course structure. While there are approximately 30 paying members of the current gymnastics club, the new structure will enable more than 250 children to take part in the sport."

Mr Love added: “We are confident that the new structure of gymnastics at Hart Leisure Centre will enable even more children to enjoy gymnastics and the benefits of a more active lifestyle.”

Patricia Hughes, joint chief executive at Hart District Council, said: “We are extremely pleased that Everyone Active has found a positive solution to improve and enhance the delivery of gymnastics for the whole community rather than simply depriving them of coaching opportunities.

“Everyone Active has reviewed and improved the offer to our residents.”