WOKINGHAM’S leisure centres will not be going fully cashless, following advice from minority groups within the borough.
Cllr Laura Blumenthal (Con) asked a question about the issue at a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council held on Thursday, January 19.
She said signs had gone up in Carnival Hub saying it was to be fully cashless from last month. “This isn’t very inclusive for residents that rely on cash,” she said.
Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, leisure and sports, said: “Neither the council nor Places Leisure (which operates the centres) have any intention to go completely cashless. We have worked with key groups such as CLASP and Optalis to assure then that cash will continue to be accepted. Nobody will be turned away.”
Cllr Blumenthal sought further clarification, and Cllr Shenton was happy to provide it: “We’re confirming (cash) will be accepted in the council buildings that come under my remit.”
