MY son has been going to Andover Leisure Centre gym as a 13-year-old for the last year.

He can go on his own and goes in at 4 after school.

He has really enjoyed the independence and use of the gym, as well as learning about the importance of exercise to keep healthy.

He had to complete a week-long induction to ensure he used the gym as it should be used and how to use all the machines.

This week I got an email from the new owners Places for Peoples Leisure, telling me that he can no longer go on his own. An adult must be with him from 9-6.

He can book in daily from 4.30- 5.30 for an organised session or on the weekend from 10-11.

Not many parents are home from work and able to do a gym session before 6pm on a week day, and the 4.30 session just is a pain.

He pays a membership like anyone else and is already excluded from after 6pm anyway and he is not allowed to use the gym fit classes.

In this age of childhood obesity, is this not a backwards step?

Lin Spencer, Marsum Close, Andover.

PfP Response: Teenagers can still attend the gym at any time if with a parent / guardian.

If unaccompanied then they are able to use the gym during the dedicated Teen Fit hours.

We want to ensure that all gym users get the best experience.