Members of Wolverhampton deaf community say they have been 'robbed of their rights' after fitness service cut

But bosses at Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre bosses say they are committed to recruiting a Wolverhampton-based deaf fitness instructor 'at the earliest opportunity'.

Ernesto Del Carpio, a deaf advisor with Wolverhampton Citizen's Advice Bureau, said members had contacted him for advice and help submitting complaints to Places for People, which runs the Bentley Bridge fitness centre, and Wolverhampton City Council, which owns the building.

Fitness instructor Ishtiaq Hussain, aged 41, who is profoundly deaf, was initially contracted to work 12 hours per week, working four-hour shifts three days a week, offering personal training and group fitness classes.

When the service was reviewed in March, it was cut back to two hours a day, three days a week.

The change was not feasible for Mr Hussain and he had to turn the contract down.

He believes the hours should have been extended as they were limited to times during the day when many people could not attend them.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Del Carpio said: "It wasn't providing equal access.

"If I had hearing I could walk into a gym on any day of the week, at any time, and I could have access to an instructor, but unfortunately for the deaf community that's a limitation."

Through the CAB Mr Hussain has access to an interpreter so he is able to work as a personal trainer and class instructor for able-bodied gym-goers as well as the deaf community.

Mr Del Carpio said: "Sign language is a visual language therefore they need to be able to see the movements and have that explanation alongside that.

"Having access to classes in British Sign Language means people feel more comfortable, do not feel stupid asking questions, and have a rapport with the instructor."

Mr Del Carpio added: "People pay council tax to have the building provided in the first place.

"These people feel excluded, under the Equality Act this is quite discriminating."

Jason Pitman, general manager of the Wolverhampton centre, said they are committed to providing activities and were 'delighted' to offer employment to a qualified deaf fitness instructor in November on a fixed term contract, with a further review in March.

He said: "We were disappointed following our review and consultation that the employee's decision for personal circumstances was to decline our improved employment offer with pay enhanced opportunity.

"Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre will continue to welcome our existing and new deaf members to our facility and is committed to recruiting a qualified Wolverhampton-based deaf fitness instructor to deliver our deaf friendly group workout classes and inductions at the earliest opportunity."