A HALESOWEN gym is set to close its doors after five years in the town.

Anytime Fitness on Queensway will permanently close at midday next Friday (March 1), leaving staff out of jobs.

Members were informed of the closure on Friday (February 16) with rising operational and energy costs blamed.

Halesowen News: The gym is on Queensway The gym is on Queensway (Image: Google)

The gym opens 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week giving members the convenience to work out whenever it suit.

It employs five people who are a combination of full-time staff, part-time staff and self-employed fitness coaches who come in to deliver classes and personal training.

There are also contractors employed, such as cleaners.

A spokesperson for Anytime Fitness said: "The closure is a result of the incredibly challenging macro-economic climate and the rising operational and energy costs of running the gym for the franchisee.

"We would like to thank all Anytime Fitness Halesowen members for their loyalty over the past five years and their unwavering support of the gym.

"We also extend our thoughts to the staff members affected by this closure and wish them the best for the future."

They added that "all Anytime Fitness locations are independently owned by franchisees."

The spokesperson said members' final Direct Debit payments were taken on February 1 and members with an annual, paid in full membership will be contacted separately regarding fees owed.

All memberships will remain active until the end of March, allowing members to access any of Anytime Fitness’ 180 plus gyms across the UK and Ireland throughout that time.

Anytime Fitness operates several locations across the West Midlands, with gyms in Edgbaston and on Hagley Road.