A popular gym is to suddenly close down after members were given just a week's notice.

Sports Direct Fitness is to close its doors on Wednesday, November 9, leaving many members concerned for their physical and mental health.

The gym, which is thought to have around 3,000 members, announced yesterday the decision to permanently shut its doors, leaving many without a place to exercise and some without jobs.

Lee Piarroux, 50, who regularly uses the gym, said: "It's a travesty. It will leave a massive gap.

"I swim there every day and my husband uses the gym every day. It's really good for my mental health and overall health. The sense of community is huge, it's such a loss.”

The gym, on St. Helier's Avenue in Hove, cited problems with the building as a reason for the closure, adding in a letter to members that “the state of disrepair has made it impossible for us to continue”.

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Mrs Piarroux described the building as “tired around the edges” but added that she did not mind given the affordable membership price.

The Argus: Sports Direct Fitness will close on Wednesday, October 9.Sports Direct Fitness will close on Wednesday, October 9. (Image: NQ Staff)

Many gym users said that they benefited from the accessible price which included the use of the gym and pool in the building.

Jim, another member, said: "This is my life. I come here six days a week and this place has got me back on track. It's heart breaking."

The closure of the gym will also leave a number of staff and personal trainers unemployed.

Members have been told that a refund for the three weeks of November that the gym will be shut for will arrive “before the end of the month”.

Brighton and Hove City councillor Robert Nemeth said: "I was informed about the closure by several residents first thing this morning and was caught by surprise like everyone else.

"It is imperative that some form of community gym use continues as soon as possible when there is clearly demand for such a service.

"I am in touch with the Council now about various elements of the matter. For the record, I would not support any sort of change of use here."