A LAPSED gym-goer has been released from a contract to pay for a membership he hasn't used for two and a half months. 

Political journalist Jamie Shapiro contacted the Daily Echo as he struggled to afford the £103 monthly fee to be a member of David Lloyd Southampton in Frogmore Lane.

He had signed a 12-month contract when he moved to Southampton six months ago but asked to leave early because of financial hardship.

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Jamie, who lives in Shirley, cancelled his direct debit two months ago when a hoped-for pay rise didn't materialise and his household bills started to rise dramatically.

He was then contacted by a debt collection agency.

Jamie, who was previously a David Lloyd member at a club near his family home in North London where he also worked as a lifeguard for three years, said: "I joined in the first place because I moved to the area on my own and I thought it would be a good place to meet people, but it didn't really work out that way.

"I never used it much, but I haven't stepped foot inside the door for two and a half months.

"With the cost of living crisis, I just couldn't afford it. With all the bills and everything, it's hard to afford anything and I decided eating was more important than paying for an expensive gym membership I wasn't using.

Daily Echo:

"I could certainly do without debt collectors demanding hundreds of pounds for something I haven't even been using."

Since being contacted by the Echo, David Lloyd Leisure bosses have decided to cancel the membership as a 'gesture of goodwill'.

A spokesperson from David Lloyd Clubs said: "We always aim to ensure fees are fair and represent good value for money for our members.

"Mr Shapiro signed a 12-month contract with us, and we had asked for supporting paperwork to cancel his membership.

"Our team is in contact with him directly and has offered to cancel his membership given the circumstances."

David Lloyd Southampton boasts indoor and outdoor pools, a spacious gym, 350 weekly exercise classes, 18 tennis courts and spa facilities, as well as a kids programme and cafe.

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