Fusion Lifestyle will withdraw the use of 0845 telephone numbers from all its locations, the operator has confirmed.

Earlier this month, the independent charity, which is contracted to run Braintree District Council’s sports and leisure facilities, confirmed to the Clacton Gazette that it had removed the 0845 number from its two Witham websites and its Braintree and Halstead websites. They now use 0345 numbers, which are cheaper.

Also this month, Fusion reviewed the use of 0845 numbers at sites that it runs on behalf of Oxford City Council. The Oxford Mail reported that numbers were being withdrawn from the Leys Pools, Barton and Ferry leisure centres.

Fusion, which provides facilities at nearly 100 locations, is also the contractor for Hounslow Council's leisure services and community venues. It is in the process of phasing out 0845 numbers at sites in the area.

Despite a ban on use of 084 and 087 numbers for contact from ‘customers’, which came into effect on 13 June 2014, and an absolute requirement for the cost of calling these numbers to be stated ‘in close proximity’ wherever they are published, which came into effect on 1 July 2015, many businesses have been slow to stop using them.

David Hickson, a campaigner for fair telecoms, has been successful in getting government departments, including HMRC, and local authorities to scrap the use of 084 and 087 numbers. He said he had been in contact with Fusion over the past year about its 0845 numbers.

Hickson told Health Club Management: “Use of these numbers is very foolish. In addition to the ‘service charge’ (of up to 7p per minute for 084 numbers, 13p per minute for 087), the caller’s telephone company adds its own ‘access charge’. This is typically around 11p per minute for landlines and 45p per minute for mobile callers.

“The fair telecoms campaign is delighted that many in the health club sector, most recently Fusion – after a little pressure, have moved away from 084/087 numbers.”

Fusion said: “Fusion Lifestyle can confirm that they have reviewed the use of the 0845 phone numbers across their sites and are committed to withdrawing these numbers from all locations. These changes will be rolled out across the estate over the coming months and as soon as alternative solutions can be implemented.”