AN OSWESTRY gym goer has criticised Shropshire Council for withdrawing a special offer for old-age pensioners to use gym facilities at the town's leisure centre.

Steve Wilcox, who earlier this year highlighted that it was cheaper to get membership in Shrewsbury than Oswestry but still use the same facilities, says his OAP price is now only on offer to people on benefits.

He criticised the decision to withdraw the offer in time for his renewal at a time when the National Health Service (NHS) is under pressure to cope with increased demand.

And he called on the price to be restored in order to help ease the burden, especially to support older people wanting to remain fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

He said: "My membership at Oswestry gym is due this month and I was sent an email inviting me to renew.

"I logged on to the website to be told that I had to go to the gym to renew.

"At the gym I was told I was was no longer eligible as the scheme was only available to people on benefits, not OAPs.

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"At a time when the NHS is under great pressure and doctors are advising older people to stay active, I don't understand why the council has withdrawn support for one group of people.

"OAPs are generally among the lower paid, and usually make more use of the NHS.

"Supporting another lower paid group who generally make less use of the NHS.

"I would have thought it be better for government agencies to work together with a common objective rather work against each other.

"I believe our council should support the NHS."

It is a second blow for Mr Wilcox after a discount for older people was also removed early in the year.

Rob Gittins, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for culture and digital, insisted that the health of its residents across the county ermined a 'top priority' to them.

He also said that the offers and rates to residents of all ages in the town, and across the county, remained 'excellent'.

He said: “The health and wellbeing of all Shropshire’s residents is of importance to us.

"Our sports and leisure centres offer excellent facilities, and membership/ activity deals are available at competitive rates.”