Leisure Centre Visitors Asked to Treat Staff With Respect

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have reported an increase in incidents involving aggressive behaviour and threats towards staff in their leisure centres and are asking all visitors to the facilities to treat staff with respect.

In a statement a council spokesperson said "Such actions from a minority of customers are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. These aggressive actions cause significant distress and upset to staff and those who witness the behaviour. We are committed to ensuring that our leisure centres are safe, welcoming spaces for everyone, from young to old. We ask all visitors to treat our staff and fellow customers with respect and adhere to Centre rules."

Anyone with feedback or complaints is asked to use the appropriate channels to communicate them.

Newry City Councillor Aidan Mathers has said the abuse is not acceptable. “All employees everywhere deserve to be treated with dignity and respect whilst carrying out their jobs. Members of our Lesuire Centre staff have recently been subject to vile abuse and threatening behaviour from some users of the facilities. This is not acceptable and will not be tolerated”.

Cllr Mathers added “We are committed to ensure that Council facilities such as our Lesuire Centres are welcome and safe spaces for all. I am now aware that further security measures within the Centre are planned, this is unfortunate but deemed necessary. 

"I would appeal to all service users to treat staff and fellow members of the public using our facilities with respect. 

"Thanks to everyone who has supported the centre since reopening. Anyone who has issues or concerns are welcome to communicate them through the appropriate channels."