MOD dismisses criticism over soldiers being charged for showers at Tower Hamlets leisure centre
The Ministry of Defence has hit back following criticism that soldiers were charged �1 for using shower facilities at a leisure centre in Tower Hamlets.
It comes after leader of the Conservative group at Tower Hamlets Council, Peter Golds, was reported as branding it “outrageous” that soldiers were being charged �1 for showering at St George’s Pool in Shadwell.
The military drafted in to help provide security at the Olympics Games are currently setting up camp at nearby Tobacco Dock, a disused shopping centre.
A MOD spokeswoman said no soldiers had complained about being charged for the showers and that they would all be reimbursed by the army.
She said: “A small group of solders went to set up their base today including shower and toilet facilities.
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“As the facilities were not yet ready they went to the leisure centre to shower.”
But Tower Hamlets Council has now said it will provide free showers at the leisure centre.
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A spokeswoman said: “This morning representatives from the army requested the free use of our facilities at St. George’s and John Orwell Leisure Centres for troops based nearby.
“We are conscious of the contribution they are making to safety at the Games and are very happy to accommodate their request.”
Around 2,500 soldiers will be housed in Tobacco Dock.
