Gym to shut at Riverside

The gym at Stafford's Riverside centre was closing its doors for the last time tonight.

Leisure chiefs say it will enable them to move all the equipment to the new £15 million centre in Lammascote Road in time for the grand opening next month.

Members of the Activo gym at Riverside have been sent letters telling them of the alternative arrangements until the new centre is up and running.

Their membership entitles them to use the facilities at both Westbridge Park Fitness Centre and Alleyne's Sports Centre in Stone during this transition period and throughout their membership.

In addition their fee will be frozen for six months, until October 1, to compensate for the closure and as a "thank you" for their support.

Swimming at the Riverside will remain open until April 4 and a number of dryside classes will also be available in the evening until that date.

Will Conaghan, of Stafford Borough Council, said: "All the equipment at Riverside will have to be carefully dismantled over the coming weeks and re-assembled at the new Stafford Leisure Centre.

"The Fitness gym will have 100 pieces of equipment with some of the latest Technogym equipment available, in a much larger purpose-built room, with full air-conditioning and natural light.

"The official opening for the new centre is scheduled to be April 26. However, we are working very hard to open before that date," added Mr Conaghan.

He said Activo members would be kept fully informed of developments.

Further information is available through the Contact Centre 01785 619000 or visit the website www.staffordleisurecentre.co.uk