A GYM has been saved from imminent closure to the delight of its members.

Fitness First in Fleetsbridge, Poole, will be relaunched under a new name having been acquired by the YMCA Bournemouth.

Gymgoers were up in arms earlier this month when the popular fitness club announced it would close its doors, citing the impact of the pandemic and membership losses.

However, in a positive turn of events, YMCA announced it will be operating the site under a new name from September 1.

The charity says it worked closely with Fitness First to progress the transition over the past two weeks and confirmed all existing staff roles at the Fleetsbridge site will be transferred to YMCA.

The takeover is not a purchase and YMCA is working with the current landlord.

Bournemouth Echo: YMCA The Junction in Broadstone.YMCA The Junction in Broadstone. (Image: Lauren Joy)

Gareth Sherwood, CEO at YMCA Bournemouth, said: “As a cherished leisure club in the local community, we want to ensure this important venue continues delivering its fantastic offering for many more years to come.

“The staff at Fitness First in Fleetsbridge have worked incredibly hard to build a strong network of members, so it was critical for us to work collaboratively with the business to ensure a seamless transition.

“We’re delighted to bring all existing staff members into the YMCA Bournemouth family, allowing them to continue delivering an exceptional service to the Poole community.”

One gym member who was “horrified” by the initial closure announcement was Marion Bucham. The 77-year-old has been going to the gym for ten years and says she was “overjoyed” to hear the site had been rescued.

Bournemouth Echo: Fitness First has more than 30 sites in the UK.Fitness First has more than 30 sites in the UK. (Image: Newsquest)

She told the Echo: “We’re all jumping up and down for joy and are just so happy about it.

“The main thing for us was what would happen to the staff, that’s what we were concerned about. People would have been out of a job so we’re thrilled for them that they can stay.

“We’ll just carry on as normal now which is great and it’s amazing how quickly the whole process has been done.”

Marion said membership subscriptions would be raised slightly, but that members would also have access to The Junction, a YMCA run sports centre in Broadstone.

The site’s new name will be announced soon.