Pensioner forced to retire from tennis because of cashless society
A pensioner has claimed she was forced to give up playing tennis because her local sports centres do not take cash.
Juliet Casciano, 80, wanted to get back on court after taking seven months of bed rest following a second hip replacement operation.
But when she returned to the council-run Marke Wood Recreation Ground, in Walmer, Kent, she found she needed to sign up online for courses and had to pay by card.
Ms Casciano then tried Tides Leisure Centre in Deal, Kent, but found she could also not pay in cash.
Her misfortunes highlight a larger issue about how pensioners are being frozen out of activities and events as they cannot use cash or get online.
'I need to fight for cash to be kept alive'
"I have played for near on 40 years in Deal and now suddenly I cannot play anymore," she said.
"The Government promised us years ago that when the internet started they would give us an exit strategy for the older folk to be able to get on without the dreaded internet.
"I need to fight for cash to be kept alive. Cash is our society, it is our way of life and was our way of life for years and years. Pensioners need special attention and there must be a way that we can keep cash going."
Ms Casciano said she had been looking forward to her first game of tennis after undergoing hip replacement last year.
"[At one centre] there was a rusty rackets programme for people like me who have hurt themselves and wanted to start again," she said.
"It was perfect, but the lady said it was all online and I needed an email address and to sign up via direct debit. I do not do any of those things - I am 80 years old."
'It is not good enough'
She added: "I have got hot cash in my pocket and I am longing to spend it. They won't take a cheque - I know it is old fashioned but it is still good money - but it is not good enough. I get migraines when I go online and I find it so difficult."
She has now written to her local MP, Conservative Natalie Elphicke, expressing her concerns.
A spokesman for Your Leisure, which runs Tides Leisure Centre, said they would remain cashless after noticing improvements, such as ending queues at peak times and advanced booking systems.
"Our standard memberships have also required an email address and direct debit payments for some considerable time (about a decade) and allow us to contact customers should we need to in connection to their bookings or membership," he said.
"We welcome all our customers to contact us directly to see where we can offer support on a one-to-one basis where feasible."
Dover Council, which owns and runs Marke Wood Recreation Ground, has been approached for comment.
