THE Sports Direct Gym has announced it is going to closing permanently from today. 

In an email sent to members this afternoon (Monday, December 11), the company said: “We are writing to inform you that regrettably Sports Direct Fitness – Salisbury will close permanently today (Monday 11th December) and will not be re-opening.

"We are really saddened to deliver this news, despite our attempts to keep the gym trading, sadly the costs to maintain the facilities has made it impossible for us to continue."

The Journal understands that the staff only found out about the closure today. 

Salisbury Journal: Sports Direct Fitness on Summerlock ApproachSports Direct Fitness on Summerlock Approach (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

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The email added that direct debit payments for December would be partially refunded for the 20 days during the month that the business would be closed, and that members needed to collect their belongings from gym lockers before 10pm on the day of or 1pm on Tuesday December 12 as the company would “no longer have access to the building”.

Instructions for those who cannot collect their belonging by this time were to make arrangements to collect their belongings no later than Sunday, December 17.

Salisbury Journal: The email Sports Direct sent to customers this afternoon The email Sports Direct sent to customers this afternoon (Image: Newsquest)

As of writing at 3.22pm, Monday, December 11, the website of Sports Direct Fitness still listed Salisbury as one of its locations and a promotion was being advertised for new members to pay only £5 before the end of the year.

'Very disappointing'

Jez Coat, who uses the gym, told the Journal "Its obviously very disappointing. Very short notice, and its now the second time it has happened, because the Snap Fitness near the library also closed very suddenly. 

"I am extremely annoyed as I was planning on coming here a lot over the next few weeks." 

Adam Crocker, 24, added: "I think its a real shame for the community as its such a local gym in the centre. 

"It is a real loss, especially for squash players, and now we are left with nothing. This place had it all." 

Cody Biddle, also 24, said: "I used to go to Snap Fitness, and that closed, and now this one has closed down, and I am really annoyed because this is probably the most affordable gym with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room etc, and all the equipment and I've just walked in to find its closing down."

Staff at the gym declined to comment on the closure when asked by the Journal.