In November I was considering joining and went into the Fitness First Express because I'd received a day pass and some of my work colleagues are members. I started to sign up but due to previous financial problems I hve no credit card and it was the end of the financial month so I was broke - so I said I'd come in and pay the first month and finish signing up the next week when I got paid. I never got a contract or membership card.

However the next week I was sick and so didn't go in and I've been sick on and off since (I suffer quite badly from winter) so I hadn't got in yet. Today I got a letter saying I owed them for December. It claimed to be the second letter they'd sent for December - though it is absolutely the first communication I have had from them. They didn't even ring to find out why I hadn't come in to pay - and that would be November's payment anyway. If they signed me up anyway they should have taken it by DD anyway.

Needless to say I'm a little confused. There is also steam coming out of my ears.

I was going to go back in in the new year and finalise things, but you can imagine what they can do with that now. I think I'll join the local council's gym - it really is pay as you go.

At least I know they can't harm my credit rating... it can't get any lower and will remain low for more than 6 years anyway.

Becky