Popular gym to close

MORE than 3,000 members of a high-profile Warrington gym had the shock news today (Monday) that the facility was closing with immediate effect.
The Board of Total Fitness, on Winwick Road, heard last week that the building had been sold with vacant possession and the premises had to be vacated by September 13.
The closure announcement was made to staff after the premises closed late on Sunday night.
The 32 full and part time staff were called to a crisis meeting this morning to hear the news that their jobs would go. Attempts will be made by the company to accommodate as many as possible at nearby gyms in Altrincham and Wigan.
It is not clear what use the building will be put to.
Emails and letters were being sent out to members today to inform them of the closure. Early closure will allow the company to empty the building before the deadline.
Joanne Hallam, group sales and marketing manager, said: “This is a timescale that we have no control over. We apologise to all of our members.
“We will refund any outstanding membership fees. Any members that have paid annually in advance for their memberships will be contacted directly by us and those that wish to arrange a full refund of any outstanding payments will be able to do so.”
Members are invited to transfer their membership to any other Total Fitness with a 50 per cent reduction on their membership rate for the next six months.
The popular premises had three pools, two gyms, a café area and studios for classes.
Total Fitness company started in 1998 and Warrington is the fifth gym to close recently. There are still 16 branches open, mainly in the North West.