Fitness fans kick off over shut gym

A PAIR of fitness fans are fighting to get their cash back following the closure of their gym.

Members say they weren’t told Kicks Leisure — formerly Waves — next to the Travelodge on Manchester Street, was closing.

Michelle Magnall, who used the centre daily until she became ill in September, returned to find steel chains and padlocks around the doors. Notices claimed the gym woud be “closed until further notice” or simply “we are closed”.

Michelle and her friend Debbie Grogan signed up in July and paid almost £400 between them.

On joining they found many of the facilities didn’t work but were told repairs were imminent.

Michelle said: “I’m really angry about, and I know a lot of people will be. I spoke to one woman cross because she got the membership as a 40th birthday present - and on their website the company is still asking people to sign up.”

Manager Ian Coates claimed he had received a letter from Travelodge — from whom the building is leased — saying it was in financial difficulties and Travelodge was selling its Oldham premises.

Mr Coates said his staff had put up notices and had handed letters to everyone using the gym regularly.

“Since we got the letter in August we haven’t taken on any annual memberships — only day passes and month by month contracts that could be cancelled,” he explained. “The whole thing has been a nightmare.”

He guaranteed refunds for users, but that it could take up to three months to sort out.

Mr Coates asked members due a refund to email: thesportingclub@aol.com.

But a Travelodge spokeswoman said the gym ended its contract with the chain in the summer by mutual agreement, and it had no connection with the hotel group’s financial restructure.

“We didn’t contact them because they were leaving anyway. In the summer they were in considerable financial arrears to us.”