The Bradley Stoke branch of Curves, the worldwide ladies-only fitness and health group, has ceased trading at the town’s Willow Brook shopping centre.
Staff at the branch were told three weeks ago that the franchise was in financial difficulty but management said they were hopeful that the situation would improve in the new year, when gyms traditionally see a surge in new memberships.
But two weeks later, on Friday 6th November, the franchise holders informed staff that the business would close with immediate effect.
The centre employed four members of staff and is said to have had around 250 members. It opened for business less than twelve months ago, on Monday 19th January 2009.
A notice posted on the door of the premises apologies for the closure, which it says is due to “dire circumstances”. A second notice advises members to cancel direct debit arrangements.
One former employee told The Journal that many users of the failed centre would be reluctant to join other more traditional gyms, adding that she would like to try to keep members together as a group.
Around 70 members are said to have attended a get together at the Three Brooks Pub on Wednesday 11th November, where former staff members told them of plans to stage occasional sessions at the Jubilee Centre and Baileys Court Activity Centre.
The centre’s Christmas Diet Challenge is said to be ongoing and a “weigh in” on Tuesday 15th December at the Toby Carvery will go ahead as planned, according to the former member of staff.
Thanks to Chris of The Examiner (in hibernation) for tipping us off about this story.
