BURY Council leisure services officer Graham Atkinson is right when he states (April 4) that health spa user numbers have deteriorated.

This is because the sauna, shower and lockers areas have been neglected for years!

Eighteen months ago I decided not to continue going as all these areas were dirty, and paint was peeling off the walls. I sent a letter to Mr Atkinson and he replied that there was no council money left to refurbish the facility.

While the decision to go in with the private sector is -- from the council's point of view -- economically sound, the residents of the borough should not have to lose facilities which are beneficial to their health and well-being.

Not everyone wishes to pump iron in a gym! The council should spend some of this private sector money to retain the spa facilities and to clean them up.

JOY HART,

Langdale Drive, Bury.