Parents have complained about the “poor design” of communal showers at a Sutton leisure centre after children were confronted by men “giving their genitals a good wash”. Westcroft Leisure Centre has now asked customers not to get naked in the open poolside showers.
Complaints over naked bathers
Unhappy parents have raised numerous complaints about the communal shower area at the Sutton Council-owned Westcroft Leisure Centre in Carshalton. Some users feel the showers should be segregated for men and women to ensure privacy, after claims that men are lathering up and scrubbing themselves in full view of others.
Sutton Councillor Nick Mattey said the issue had “caused a really big stink” but could be easily resolved by the council and its leisure operator, Everyone Active, if they pulled together. He said he has received several separate complaints about the poolside showers, which have been in place at the Carshalton centre since 2013.
“Masses of lather”
Cllr Mattey said: “You have people going in there facing women and children and giving their genitals a good washing.” He said some of the complaints he received were from mothers who attended the pool with their children. “Can you imagine you are taking a five-year-old kid in there and you have got some bloke with masses of lather?” he added.
One mum, who asked not to be named, said: “There are often some elderly gentlemen there who pull their shorts down and wash their privates. It’s just about people feeling uncomfortable, and it’s not good for young people either.”
Council and operator response
The mum said she understood why some people chose to do their “daily wash” there, given the cost-of-living crisis and wanting to clean off chlorine after a swim, but said a door would be ideal, adding: “That way you have the privacy and you’re not exposing yourself.” She said some of her friends had also made similar complaints and believes the issue was one of “poor design” rather than down to individual behaviour.
Sutton Council has confirmed it has asked Everyone Active to review its facility procedures to “ensure Sutton leisure centres are safe spaces for everyone”. Everyone Active Contract Manager Rebecca Eyles said the operator takes the privacy and safety of all customers “extremely seriously”, adding: “Customers are asked to keep swimming costumes on while showering. They are expected to behave in a considerate manner and inappropriate behaviour towards other customers or colleagues will not be tolerated. Anyone with concerns around this is encouraged to speak to our colleagues.”
Eyles said the wet-side changing village includes communal shower facilities, as well as an individual accessible shower within the accessible changing room. She added: “Our colleagues regularly monitor the wet-side changing village, with increased staffing during peak periods. We will continue to monitor use of the changing facilities, ensuring they remain welcoming and comfortable for everyone.”
A spokesperson for Sutton Council also said it “takes concerns about privacy and safety extremely seriously” and added: “Inappropriate behaviour towards other customers or colleagues will not be tolerated.”
