FOLLOWING news that a new gym could be coming to Cirencester, the Standard took to the streets to ask residents what they thought of the proposed development.

Snap Fitness 24/7 plans to convert the vacant job centre at Forum House in South Way and has submitted a change of use application to Cotswold District Council (CDC).

The original application, submitted in June, requested permission for a 24-hour gym but after a backlash from neighbours, the company MSG Life Ltd amended the opening times to 6am-11pm daily.

Snap Fitness currently has more than 30 gyms across the country, including gyms in Bristol and Gloucester. The chain prides itself on its 24-hour gyms and its flexible non-contract membership options.

But it seems that residents had mixed reactions to the proposed gym.

Patsy Cook, 53, who lives in the town centre, said she did not understand why there was a need for the original plan, a 24-hour gym.

She said: “Why 24 hours? When this town could do with a lot of other decent stuff - a decent clothes shop, something more suitable for the town.

“The amended times are not better. A gym does not appeal to me anyway. I do my exercise by walking. I do not see a point in paying membership when I’ve got my own mountain bike. I do not think it is a good idea at all.”

Charles Hart, co-owner of the Brewer’s Arms in Cricklade Street, however was in support of the gym.

He said: “I think that is a great idea. People like myself work late, we cannot go at regular times. So it is perfect for us.

“To be honest, I do not know why residents are up in arms. It’s not like a nightclub, people going to the gym are not drunk. What noise is there going to be?”

Sister Angela Hart, co-owner of the pub, (pictured below) was a member of the now closed Active4less gym.

She was disappointed that the proposed gym would no longer be open 24 hours. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

She said: "I was very excited about it. I am 100 per cent for a gym that is for the workers.

"We want opening hours that suit us. We do not finish work until late and sometimes we get up at 4am. It is such a shame.

"We are not going to party after going to the gym. I do not understand why people are opposing it. I am just waiting for this gym to go ahead."

Leah Best, 20, (pictured below) had a neutral stance: “I think it is a good idea. I live near the site of the proposed gym and I might consider joining.

“I think 11pm closing time is a bit too late, I would like to be in bed by then, but everyone has their opinions. It could be quite noisy in the morning until late.”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

But Gill Grant, 65, who also lives near the old job centre and who is already a member at Cotswold Leisure Centre, was less enthused by the idea of a new gym.

She said: “I do not know where everyone is going to park. I do not know how many people go to the gym 24 hours. But I do not think it will disturb me.

“They have got to do something about that road with the buses. It is a strange place to have a gym.

“The leisure centre is fine and I have got the swimming pool.”