MEMBERS of a top rated gym in Southampton have expressed their anger as two playing courts are removed.

Those who use premium gym and racket centre David Lloyd off of Brownhill Way in Lordshill have said that the management is a “disgrace” that needs to be “brought to the local people’s attention”.

It comes after the news that two out of the three squash courts were going to close permanently, which has left members in a predicament as they prepare to compete in the Hampshire League.

David Lloyd explained to the Daily Echo that the closures are to make space for a new "BLAZE" studio in the gym - a full body workout which combines cardiovascular training with strength, cardio and mixed martial arts skills.

One member, who has asked not to be identified, has been a member at the gym for more than 20 years.

They pay £115 a month for the membership and has played or the squash and racketball teams throughout this time.

They explained that members were informed of the court closures “without any prior notice, dialogue or consultation”. When asked, David Lloyd did not mention when members were consulted.

“After 20 years loyalty the squash and racketball members were informed without any prior notice, dialogue or consultation that two out of the three squash courts were going to close permanently,” they said.

“We had already entered two squash teams and 1 racketball team to compete in the Hampshire League when we were informed of the decision.

“We need two squash courts to host a match. Something the management were unaware of apparently.

“We were also told that should we wish to cancel our membership in response to this dramatic change to the terms of our membership, we would be required to give three months notice.

“The way this organisation treats it’s members who pay premium fees for the facilities is a disgrace and should be brought to the local people’s attention.”

A spokesperson from David Lloyd said: "At David Lloyd Southampton, member satisfaction is of the utmost importance, and we are sorry to hear that some of our regular squash players were unhappy with our plans to make changes at the club.

"We appreciate that it is disappointing news for them and not a decision we took lightly.

"We are constantly listening to our members across the club, who tell us that they want a greater choice of group exercise classes.

"We have been rolling out our hugely successful BLAZE classes across the UK over the last three years and we believe they will also be a very popular at Southampton.

"Delivered in its own boutique-style studio, BLAZE is a state-of-the-art full body workout which combines cardiovascular training with strength, cardio and mixed martial arts skills to give an intense HIIT using specialist equipment to track performance.

"When planning our new BLAZE studio at Southampton, we explored a number of locations in the club but were unfortunately unable to create an alternative plan without using squash court space.

"Most of our members enjoy a wide variety of activities at the Club, however if any of our squash players do decide to leave, our teams will be in touch with them individually to agree the best solution and outcome for them personally.

"We continue to take on board feedback and hope that our members will enjoy the new and exciting BLAZE classes when they launch in December."