Sir, I was just climbing out of the water at the Wantage swimming pool puffing and blowing after my half-mile swim when I was approached by a regular female OAP coming for her swim in the fast lane.

“Have you paid your annual membership yet?” she asked looking very distraught. She was shocked to have just been told that her annual OAP swim membership had jumped from £135 to £165 an increase of 22 per cent.

Five weeks ago, the running of the Wantage Leisure Centre for the VWHDC was taken over by a company called ‘Better’ a not-for- profit organisation.

In their information hand-outs, Better say, “Prices will remain subject to annual charges in line with the VWHDC’s pricing policy, you would be notified of any changes in advance”. Neither I or any other OAP that I know have been informed of a 22 per cent increase in our annual swimming membership.

I have been swimming at the Wantage pool since 1997 for health reasons, advised by my doctor to keep me out of the state-subsidised nursing home and medicine. During the austerity year of 2011, Soll/VWHDC were jointly awarded the ‘Nobel Biscuit Award’ for increasing the OAP’s annual swimming membership by 12 per cent without any prior notice. In 2012, Soll/VWHDC were at it again being awarded the ‘Silver Stetson Award’ for raiding our OAP’s coffers for a 12.4 per cent annual increase without any warning.

This year’s 22 per cent increase plus the introduction of £10 as a membership fee (never known before) is quite incredible when we still have austerity, inflation at 1.9 per cent and the Bank rate at 0.5 per cent. OAPs, whose only income is their Government state pension, deserve better service, concern and understanding from the VWHDC in their quest to stay on this planet a little longer.

It’s little wonder I don’t see many of the past regulars attending swimming. For this outstanding third year achievement, the ‘Fusty, Crusty, Musty Award 2014’ is awarded to the VWHDC pricing policy department.

On the bright side, a ‘Well Done Sticker’ goes to the new company ‘Better’ for keeping on the friendly and helpful centre staff who help to make our visit most enjoyable.

Bill Cosgrave Roman Way Wantage