Jobs lost as gym to close
One of Shropshire's longest-established gyms, which has more than 2,000 members, is shutting down with the loss of 20 jobs, it was announced today. One of Shropshire's longest-established gyms, which has more than 2,000 members, is shutting down with the loss of 20 jobs, it was announced today. Fitness First, in St Michael's Street, Shrewsbury, has been in the town for more than 10 years but will close on September 21. Site owner Morris Property today described the move as "disappointing" and said it was now looking for a new firm to take over the building. Letters to all gym members were due to go out today and staff will also telephone each member individually to explain the situation. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Site owner Morris Property today described the move as "disappointing" and said it was now looking for a new firm to take over the building.
Letters to all gym members were due to go out today and staff will also telephone each member individually to explain the situation.
Members will be offered a free transfer to Fitness First in Telford, with a month's free membership.
Shrewsbury manager Helen McCormack today said the move was "very sad" for everyone.
But she said the gym would be open as normal until September.
A pay-as-you-go option, costing £3.50 a session, will soon be up and running as the club is no longer accepting new pay-monthly members.
It is hoped that staff from Shrewsbury will be offered new posts at nearby Fitness First branches or other gyms in the area, Miss McCormack said.
"Fitness First is trying to bend over backwards to help them get into other clubs. They are recognised as a really good team," she said.
"We are going to have a conversation tomorrow with human resources from head office.
"Until September we obviously want to keep things going as normal as possible and we won't be dropping the service whatsoever."
She said Fitness First and Morris Property believed the decision to close in September was in the best interests of both parties.
The Shrewsbury gym is one of Fitness First's oldest clubs and a massive farewell party is planned for August.
The gym is now looking for a suitable school or charity to which it can donate equipment, including balls and skipping ropes.
Robin Morris, Morris Property director, said: "We can confirm that Fitness First have exercised their right to break under the terms of their lease, which is of course extremely disappointing.
"We shall now attempt to re-let the building."
By Tom Warren
