A KINGSBRIDGE resident has accused Tone Leisure and South Hams Council of 'hiding the increase' in membership fees 'by separating payments for membership and parking'.

Jim Romanos, from Kingsbridge, said: 'Are you aware that between Tone Leisure and South Hams Council, annual fees for the most loyal members of Quayside Leisure Centre are rising by 8.5 – 9.9 per cent?'

He explained: 'My wife and I presently pay £583.20 pa which includes restricted parking passes. Under the new fees we will pay £632.50 for the same package – an increase of 8.5 per cent. Without parking passes it is £501.20 vs £550.80; an increase of 9.9 per cent. This is three to four times the rate of inflation.

'Tone Leisure and SHDC are hiding this increase by separating payments for membership and parking. Tone has sent out letters with phrases like 'In real terms, most ONE memberships are subject to a decrease (please see notes on car parking), small inflationary rise, or no change on 2012 prices' – which is not comparing like with like. How can SHDC and Tone defend such an increase?'

A Tone Leisure spokeswoman said Mr Romanos had been discussed his complaint with the operations director.

'Car parking permits up to January 2013 were included in the membership rate (max 4 hrs parking). They have now been removed to give customers a choice as to whether they want to purchase one for three, six or 12 months or not have one at all.

'The scheme is now being administered on site and should be more efficient, with discs being available at time of purchase.

'South Hams and Tone have negotiated, at length, to maintain some sort of subsidy for our members which means they are paying the equivalent of £3.40 per month for daily parking up to four hours, as opposed to £3.60 per day (up to four hours). Those who do not want a car park pass will see their membership rates fall. Those who use a car park pass will see a marginal increase and those requiring two passes will see a more significant increase.

'There has been no price rise in membership for two years and no parking rise for 6 years.

'All membership prices have gone up by £1.50.'

A South Hams Council spokesman said: 'We have worked with Tone Leisure to provide a fair and reasonable offer to members and non-members at Quayside Leisure Centre.

'Most leisure memberships have actually been reduced in price this year. If members also require a parking permit there is a small increase in the charge although it still represents very good value.'