Anytime Fitness on Castlegate, Newark, shocks members with sudden closure

Fitness enthusiasts have been left in disbelief by the sudden closure of a town centre gym.

Anytime Fitness, based in the Castlegate Leisure Centre on Lombard Street, Newark, closed on Wednesday afternoon.

Members were notified by email of the gym's closure just a day after a Facebook post invited them to book their partners in for a free session to celebrate Valentine's Day.

One member claimed that they were given only an hour's notice before it shut.

"It is with deep regret that we must inform you that Anytime Fitness Newark will be permanently closing its doors," read a statement sent to a member.

"Unfortunately, due to a decision by our landlord, we are forced to cease our lease agreement and cannot continue operating a health club from this location.

"We appreciate that this is hugely disappointing news to receive. We want to assure you that we have done all we can to try to prevent this closure and to thank you sincerely for your loyal support throughout the past few years."

The correspondence recommended that members travel to other Anytime Fitness locations including Grantham which is 12.8 miles away or Lincoln which is 16 miles away.

Less than a week ago, the gym had also posted about an opportunity for patrons to win a month for free by leaving a review of the facility on Google.

One user posted on Facebook: "Absolutely speechless by your lack of transparency and immediate closure with 57 minutes warning in a no less than pathetic email.

"Endless promises by a variety of different managers all within a year yet all ended up empty promises."

Carl Greaves Boxing and Fitness which operates out of the facility is still in business and will be open as usual.

"We are still in business, nothing has changed for me," said Carl. "People can still enter our premises the same way."