Gym shutdown fears on member refunds

Around 300 members of a West Midlands health club have been left unsure whether they will get refunds after it shut without warning.

The Express & Star revealed yesterday that the Motorcise gym, at The Bridge, Walsall, had closed down.

But bosses at owners Women's Fitness UK Ltd are unable to say whether or not any of its members can expect refunds. The gym, specifically aimed at women aged over 40, was the last of the popular Motorcise gyms in the West Midlands, and followed other venues closing down.

The Motorcise chain of clubs ran into financial trouble earlier in the year when its branches in Cleveland Street, Wolverhampton; West Bromwich High Street and Castle Street, Dudley were shut.

The Walsall gym was kept open as part of a rescue bid by Women's Fitness UK Ltd, a privately owned company.

The company was hoping to agree a deal for it to become a franchise run by Energie Fitness. But that bid has now failed and the Walsall gym has closed.

A statement from Energie Fitness, which was aiming to set up the franchise at the site, said today: "The rescue bid was made with the expectation once the following conditions were met, a franchise licence would be granted and the Motorcise centre would become an Energie Fitness for Women franchise."

The conditions were that the club was to gain a new lease for the premises and a suitable franchisee found to buy the business.

"Regrettably, no suitable franchisee has been found for the Walsall centre. This coupled with the fact it was not possible to agree new terms with the landlord has resulted in the Walsall centre being taken back by the landlord, forcing its closure.

"At this time Women's Fitness UK Ltd has no access to the premises and are attempting to contact the landlord to resolve the situation. Women's Fitness UK Ltd deeply regret the problems caused to members of Motorcise Walsall."

The company said it would be contacting its members individually but could not confirm whether or not they would receive refunds. The Walsall club had the shutters down today with a To Let sign in the window.