A frustrated customer has hit out at the 'cashless system' being made a permanent fixture at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

According to the resident, the 'unpopular decision' is being followed by local action groups and leisure centre users against the centre operating on a completely cashless basis.

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In an email sent to councillors throughout Bracknell Forest and bosses at Everyone Active - that runs Bracknell Leisure Centre - she outlined why access to cash should be protected.

Cashless systems came into popularity during the Covid pandemic when paying by cash became both impossible and unsafe.

Bracknell Leisure Centre has been operating a cashless system since July 2020.

Mark Tennant, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: "Like many other retailers over the past two years, we have made the decision to encourage as many bookings and payments as possible to be made online.

“This has multiple benefits, including minimising the need for any contact between customers and colleagues during a pandemic, allowing a more seamless and simplistic process for our customers (including enabling them to avoid queuing at reception).

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He added: "The pandemic has pushed many organisations and individuals to utilise digital and online platforms and we have taken this opportunity to review our approach to bookings and payments long-term.

“Online transactions are expected and requested by our customers as well as being a much more efficient and effective way to manage our facilities and is something we will continue to encourage moving forward.

“However, we will of course continue to review our processes moving forward and will adapt our approach accordingly with the needs of our customers, the council and colleagues."