Refund promised for members of Hounslow gym after sudden closure

However, members were stunned when they turned up for a workout last week only to be told it was now solely for use by employees.

The gym officially closed to the public on Monday, when the year's lease came to an end, following a dispute between the building's owners and the fitness centre manager Ashish Banymandhub.

However, Mr Banymandhub insisted all those who had paid in advance would get a full refund, either from him or the marketing companies they signed up through.

He claimed he wanted to extend the lease by 10 years and had been close to reaching an agreement, only for it to fall through at the eleventh hour.

Zul Virani, manager of the Vista Centre, said Mr Banymandhub had 'failed to fulfil his obligations' and claimed he only became aware this week that the gym had been offering two-year subscriptions.

About 400 members of the public had signed up to the gym, which was promoted as part of the Government's much-lauded Change 4 Life scheme to get people to lead more active lifestyles.

Members seeking a refund are advised to call Mr Banymandhub on 0770 2701 703, Ashbourne Collection on 01564 711 236 or Creative Business Marketing on 01242 691 334. Anyone paying by direct debit should cancel the payment immediately.