Susan Allen and her daughter Bianca Picture Ref: 77579-22A SINGLE mum says her overweight daughter is facing an uphill battle to get fit because of a price rise at a Swindon gym.

Susan Allen, of Godolphin Close, Freshbrook, is furious that fees for Gold Card concession holders have increased at the Link Centre because her teenage daughter, Bianca, can no longer afford to pay for three-times-a-week workouts.

The 14-year-old says just over a month ago she used to pay 50p for a session.

She was stunned to find that this had almost trebled to £1.40 when, earlier this week, she began her latest fitness drive.

"I feel that I just can't go anymore," said the St Joseph's School pupil.

"I'm disgusted about it and feel really let down."

Mrs Allen, 46, said that with all the publicity about a rising number of obese children, Swindon Council should be doing all it can to encourage youngsters to exercise.

She is planning to lobby the local authority in a bid to get fees cut.

"I'm really upset because we're always being told that children need to keep fit," said Mrs Allen.

"She had started to go every other night but won't be able to pay for it now out of her £5-a-week pocket money.

"She was so depressed about it when she came home that she went to get some fish and chips.

"I was so proud of her for going to the gym but now I'm worried that because she has lost the opportunity to go she will get more depressed about her weight and put on more."

A spokesman for Swindon Council said price increases were introduced earlier this year.

"Instead of the usual 90 per cent discount it is now 70 per cent at off peak times and 30 per cent at peak times as before," he said.

"This means that to use the gym at the Link now costs £1.40 as opposed to 50p. This still represents excellent value and a significant discount."

Research on the rates of obesity among children suggests it has tripled in 20 years. It is estimated about one in 10 six year olds is obese, rising to 17 per cent of 15 year olds.

But other researchers have dismissed claims that obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions, saying average weights have only risen slightly.

A survey, carried out by the Social Issues Research Council, showed that the Body Mass Index of an average 15-year-old boy was 9st 5lbs in 2003, compared with 9st 2lbs nine years earlier.

The average weight for a 15-year-old girl was just under 9st 3lbs, nearly a pound higher than in 1995.

Ben Payne