Members of a Wokingham gym that closed last week have been urged to immediately cancel any existing direct debits to avoid possible further charges.
Anytime Fitness confirmed last week that its Peach Street operation in Wokingham has closed and will not reopen.
In an email to its members on Thursday, Anytime Fitness head office said: “We appreciate that this is hugely disappointing news and would like to sincerely apologise for the conflicting communication you have received from the business owner regarding a temporary closure for refurbishment.”
Several people had expressed concerns through social media that their membership fees had recently been paid.
Jonathan Dinsdale, a senior associate in law firm Blandy & Blandy’s dispute resolution team, said: “Affected customers should ensure that they immediately cancel their direct debit, to avoid incurring future membership fees.
“They can do this online or by contacting their bank. Any membership fees which have already been paid for June and July are likely only recoverable if and when a liquidator/administrator is appointed and only then, if there are sufficient funds in the insolvency.”
Anytime Fitness advised Wokingham members enquiring about refunds are being asked to send their details by post to an address in Herefordshire.
The Anytime Fitness Wokingham club was operated by Kre8tive Fitness Ltd. According to information from Companies House, two previous company directors resigned and a new one was appointed last week. The current sole director, Neville Taylor, has registered correspondence addresses that belongs to mail forwarding businesses in Herefordshire and Scotland.
From Companies House information, Neville Taylor is listed as being a director of more than 300 companies. He also appears to be director of a business that specialises in business recovery and restructuring.
In its latest filed company accounts for the year ending February 2021, Kre8tive Fitness Ltd reported a deficit of £213,642 based on current assets versus net liabilities.
In a statement to Wokingham Today, Anytime Fitness’ head office said: “We can confirm that our franchised location in Wokingham has permanently ceased trading, with all members being informed on Thursday, June 15.
“We appreciate that this is hugely disappointing news to receive and all members have been provided details regarding any owed membership fees.”
When Wokingham Today went to press, Kre8tive Fitness Ltd was still active according to data from Companies House.
Anytime Fitness claims to have more than 185 clubs throughout the United Kingdom, and more than 190,000 members. The spokesperson confirmed that existing memberships will remain active until the end of July, and will be accepted at other Anytime Fitness locations.
It is not known how many members belonged to the Anytime Fitness Wokingham gym. Prices for memberships started at £38.95 per month for a 12-month membership, up to £389.50 for a 12-month annual pre-paid contract.
One Wokingham gym has already moved to quickly satisfy the fitness needs of anyone inconvenienced by the demise of Anyime Fitness in the town.
Adam Piper, manager of Energie Fitness in Denmark Street, told Wokingham Today he was very sorry to hear of the closure.
He said: “We’d love to help out, so anyone can bring proof of their membership to us and we’ll happily give them a free, no-obligation seven-day membership.”
Anthony Dennison-Birch, Chairman of the Our Business Community network of businesses in Wokingham, expressed his disappointment at the news.
He told Wokingham Today: “I hope the location, in its prime place on the way into the centre of town, will prove an attractive proposition to another retailer, and will boost the appeal of the town as a destination for business and leisure.”
Wokingham Today has attempted to contact Mr Taylor for comment regarding his intentions for the company and business.
