A CITY gym is set to close after 10 years - and the owners have blamed a dispute with the landlord.

Prime Fitness, in Westbury Street, Worcester, will shut this Saturday, January 20.

The gym announced the closure on its Facebook page and thanked customers for their support over the last 10 years.

Julian Pepper, director of Prime Fitness, said all ‘paid in full’ members will be refunded and also revealed plans to open a new gym in Redditch town centre in the near future.

A post on the company’s Facebook page stated: “This is unfortunately due to a heavy dispute with the landlord and is something that cannot be avoided, or resolved in the foreseeable future.

“Please understand that this decision has not been taken lightly and has undergone a tremendous amount of consideration.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your custom and support during the 10 years that we have been running.

“We have met some wonderful people and hope that we have been able to encourage you but we have also come away having been inspired by some of your stories, commitment and successes, as well as friendships.

“We wish you all the very best for the future and if you have any queries, please come and speak to a member of our team and we will help with any questions you may have.

"A representative from Revolution Fitness will be on site at Prime Fitness to discuss memberships with you as of Monday 15th January for the duration of the week."

Mr Pepper said the company hopes to refund people as soon as possible.

He added that existing members can receive a £5 monthly discount off a membership with Revolution Fitness and only pay £15 per month.

Some members took to Facebook to express their frustration about the closure. 

Robert Żekało wrote: "Good Lord, it's the worst news I've heard in a very long time, never seen that coming."

Another member wrote: “I paid for all year membership last month. Do I get some money back or transfer the remaining 10 months membership to Revolution [Fitness]?”

He claims the gym told him he might have to wait as long as six months to get a refund.