Virgin Gym fixes it for Ian but Kate still has problems

GYM members often get hot and bothered by the lengthy and strictly enforced-contracts common to the industry.

Ian Andrews became one such victim when he found himself at loggerheads with Virgin Active after cancelling his contract.

The 47-year-old, who has a heart problem, simply wasn't using the gym on Broadfield Road enough to get value for money.

But his emails and phone calls were unacceptable, he was told, and he had to attend the gym to cancel in person. Because of illness he made it 12 days after the deadline.

Nothing more was heard until two weeks ago when Ian received a letter from a debt collection agency demanding 400.

Ian, of Spotswood Close, Gleadless, said: "They are being totally unreasonable, they said I had gone into my 13th month and my membership had rolled over for another year."

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A VIRGIN spokesman said they had cancelled Ian's debt and closed the case.

He added: "We contacted Mr Andrews by letter in January, May and August. It was not intended to cause undue stress."

Meanwhile Virgin's debt collectors are pursuing Kate Ellis, of Abbey Crescent, Abbeydale, Sheffield, for unpaid gym fees.

Kate wanted to cancel eight months into her contract after becoming unemployed. Virgin has relented and is now asking for half the amount which, with a 30 debt collector's fee, is 119.

A Virgin spokesman said they stood by their decision.