More than 1.2million visits were made to Watford’s two new leisure centres during 2009/10 – their first full year in operation.

The Central and Woodside facilities were opened in 2008 by Watford Borough Council after a £23million building and refurbishment project.

Members of the council’s scrutiny committee met on Thursday evening to hear evidence from contractors Sports and Leisure Management (SLM) – who have a ten year contract to operate both sites – and user groups.

SLM, which has a profit sharing agreement with the council, said gym membership numbers (3,536 at Woodside and 2,200 at Central) were well above expectations, with numbers expected to rise still further during the economic down-turn as members of more expensive private clubs attempt to save money.

SLM said 811,214 visits were made to Woodside during 2009/10 and 449,668 to Central.

The company did, however, admit to some teething troubles, most notably complaints about its handling of incoming telephone enquiries – troubles that have now been addressed with the introduction of a new reception model.

Committee members also raised a number of other concerns.

Councillor Amanda Grimston said: “The biggest complaint I have had is about cleanliness.”

Councillor Jagtar Dhindsa, meanwhile, explained that some of his Muslim constituents had complained of “males wandering around the changing rooms” during female only swimming sessions. SLM said it would examine ways to address the issue with its staff.

Councillor Sue Greenslade also expressed concern about access for disabled pool and gym users, who had told her of problems using equipment and entering the pools. SLM said its facilities met all legal requirements but would make improvements if recommendations were received directly from disable users.