Gym enthusiast lift in a spin

9:30am Saturday 14th January 2006

A GYM user has accused Watford Borough Council of operating a racist policy at its leisure centres, after he was charged extra to attend a fitness class because he is not from an ethnic minority.

The 34-year-old businessman from Watford, who does not want to be named, has been a member of Watford Borough Council run leisure centres for the past four years.

He last visited the Westfield Community Sports Centre in Tolpits Lane, Watford, to take part in his usual Tuesday evening spin cycling class.

However, he was told that he must pay £4.65, but that the class is free to people from ethnic minority backgrounds.

A representative from Watford Borough Council said the classes are only free for women from ethnic minorities, because they are paid for by another funding body.