Bad Customer Service and Customer Exploitation

<p>I signed a 1 year Virgin Active Nationwide contract at Centturion. Once my contract lapsed I notified the branch and stopped attending. Last month I app**** to rejoin only to be informed that I am on arrears. On enquiring with accounts department - I am informed that my Contract did Auto-Renew (notwithstanding that I am not aware of that). Basically - no matter how bizzare that is - they would not let me re-join unless I pay "Outstanding" balances debited on my lapsed contract. Is this consistent with consumer protection Act?</p>