A STROUD GYM has re-opened following a dispute with its landlord.

Anytime Fitness announced on Facebook this morning that it has re-opened once again, after a legal order passed which allowed it to re-open.

Stroud News and Journal:

Members of the town centre gym had been disappointed to find that they were unable to get in yesterday morning (July 1) after the building's landlord changed the locks.

Employees of Anytime Fitness, a 24-hour gym that has been based in Merrywalks shopping centre for three years, have been locked out of the unit due to a financial dispute.

Stroud News and Journal:

Legal notices have been placed in the windows of the business which say that entry without permission is a criminal offence

Legal notices appeared in the window on behalf of Stroud Regeneration Limited, the company set up by Dransfield Properties to manage the shopping centre. The notices say the locks have been changed, the premises secured and that 'Any attempt to enter the premises without the Licensor's authority may be a criminal offence and result in prosecution'.

The notice is dated July 31, 2018, and says the company that owns Anytime Fitness Stroud, Corinium Gym Ventures Ltd, would no longer be given entry to the property.

Stroud News and Journal:

Locks have been replaced at the property to prevent management, staff or members from gaining access to the gym

Speaking of the sudden closure of the business, which employs 30 people within the area, Amanda Holmes, communications director at Dransfield Properties, said that they had tried to resolve the situation with the gym since buying the premises.

“Since our company took ownership of Merrywalks in June this year we have consulted with Corinium Gym Ventures Ltd and their representatives to discuss their position as no rent or service charge has been paid," Ms Holmes explained.

“The records from Streetland Limited (the previous owner) clearly show that no rent, service charge, electricity or water has been paid since Corinium took occupation in October 2015.

“Clearly a significant sum of money is outstanding to both the previous landlords and to ourselves and this situation is not sustainable.

"Despite many attempts by our company to reach an amicable agreement for Corinium Gym Ventures Ltd to continue trading at Merrywalks in recent weeks, we have unfortunately been unable to reach such an agreement and have had no choice but to recover the property.

A spokesperson for Anytime Fitness Stroud thanked its customers for their supoprt and patience and said the gym's closure was temporary.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Anytime Fitness Stroud is temporarily closed.

"Having worked hard to build up a loyal customer base of 1,500 members and employing 30 members of staff, our main concern now is resolving this as quickly as possible and reopening the gym doors," the spokesperson said.

“We would like to thank our customers for their support and patience while we resolve this issue.”