Hello! I can't find any non-0845 landline number for this supposedly 'public-orientated' new complex. Complex is the word! I get free calls on my phone but not to 0845 numbers so why do these council-owned organisations bash on about being available to the widest possible community?

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~ Edited by Dave: Thread title amended

Hello. Please can you provide some basic information such as that suggested in the guide for posting a request?

E.g. What is the 0845 number? What is the address? Is there a website?  :-?

Sorry yes I did read the guide - but pressed submit instead of edit... oops!

0845 130 7324

The website is www.hillingdon.gov.uk/leisure

Address
Hillingdon Sport & Leisure Complex
Gatting Way
Uxbridge UB8 1ES

thank you and sorry again!!  ::)

Here's a news release on the website of the operator, Fusion, on the opening:

http://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/Hillingdon_Sport_and_Leisure_Complex%20/news/Hillingdon_Sports_Leisure_Complex_officially_open


I called the 0845 number and it gives two options:
1. Hillingdon Main Complex and Pools
2. Hillingdon Athletics Track


I went to Google and typed in hillingdon sport and leisure complex and up popped the number 01895 208 900. This is the alternative to dialling the 0845 number and selecting option 1.

I have added this to the database.  :)

DAVE  you are an angel thank you!!  :D
I tried all kinds of searches but I'm not all that great with these things. You techie genius. I'll stick to cooking.

aliberry wrote on Aug 15^th, 2010 at 4:29pm:

DAVE  you are an angel thank you!!  :D I tried all kinds of searches but I'm not all that great with these things. You techie genius. I'll stick to cooking.

Thanks for the feedback; happy to help. Glad you like the taste of my number finding skills!

aliberry wrote on Aug 15^th, 2010 at 2:33pm:

Hello! I can't find any non-0845 landline number for this supposedly 'public-orientated' new complex. Complex is the word! I get free calls on my phone but not to 0845 numbers so why do these council-owned organisations bash on about being available to the widest possible community?

Very poor indeed on Hillingdon Council's part I would agree.

Although you now have an unofficial alternative I would suggest an email of complaint to Hillingdon Council leader Ray Puddifoot at leader@hillingdon.gov.uk (see http://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=116) asking them why they don't list the 0845 number or alternatively an 0345 number that would be included in all call packages and referring them to the previous government reports by the Central Office Of Information and Sir David Varney pointing out the call price disadvantages for customers of 0845 numbers.

Or if you feel strongly enough you could always go and see Mr Puddifoot at his bi monthly constituency surgery at:-


Quote:

Ickenham Library Long Lane Ickenham Middlesex UB10 8RE Third Wednesday of the month 1900-2000pm Surgeries: January, March, May, July, September, November

You could also email the Council's Chief Executive Hugh Dunnachie.  Email:-  HDunnachie@hillingdon.gov.uk

NGMsGhost, thank you for those details - I will certainly follow them up. I have a few other 'local issue' bones to pick with these people so I think I might just go to the office as you suggest. I'm fed up with people who just moan and don't actually try to change things.

Have a good weekend!

On the basis that the 01895 number for the leisure centre is overtly published, albeit not by the said organisation in question, we should perhaps conclude that the 0845 number was brought in afterwards.

The Centre is run by the charity Fusion Lifestyle and it is probably down to it that the 0845 number is now used:
http://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/About_Fusion

That said, not all do. In this case the 0845 number is answered with a menu for venues at the complex and could therefore have been used so as to provide a single number for both venues, whereas those that don't use 0845 are presumably straight through to the venue in question.

Good point Dave.
I'd like to see ALL organisations, charities included, publicising all their contact options so that the person making the enquiry can choose to use landline, 03 or 08 numbers, or carrier pigeon if available! I don't mind a charity making a few pence from my call, but not private companies or those paid for through taxes.

Here's to a weekend hopefully warm enough to actually USE the Hillingdon Compex's outdoor pool!

Have a good one, whatever you are up to.

aliberry wrote on Aug 27^th, 2010 at 2:09pm:

NGMsGhost, thank you for those details - I will certainly follow them up. I have a few other 'local issue' bones to pick with these people so I think I might just go to the office as you suggest. I'm fed up with people who just moan and don't actually try to change things. Have a good weekend!

Due to a longstanding previous connection with the area by another member of my family I happen to know Mr Puddifoot and a few of the other councillors personally even though it is several years now since I last saw most of them (although another of my relative's still sees them from time to time).   So for that reason I was particularly disappointed to see an 0845 number being used for this facility.

If you do go along to see Mr Puddifoot in person you might want to refer to Sir David Varney's report on government services and the COI's Better Practice Guide For Government Contact Centres and what they have to say about phone call costs.

See www.saynoto0870.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.cgi?num=1249030102 for more information.

Also the fact that other councils like Surrey County Council and a load of Police forces including Essex Police have all abandoned 0845 numbers in favour of 0345 numbers that don't cost any extra to call.


aliberry wrote on Aug 27^th, 2010 at 2:26pm:

Here's to a weekend hopefully warm enough to actually USE the Hillingdon Compex's outdoor pool!

I hear that the weather forecast for Monday looks the most promising one over the Bank Holiday weekend.