A County Durham gym has closed its doors blaming unsustainable increases in costs.

Keep Fit in Barnard Castle, which only opened in November 2022, said it was with a “heavy heart” that it was closing.

The gym, the sister site of Keep Fit in Darlington owned by Martin Clinton, will close on July 30.

In a post on Facebook, the fitness centre said increases in rent, maintenance, business rates and insurance, staff and gas and electric costs all contributed to the decision.

The post read: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Keep Fit Barnard Castle will be closing its doors on July 30, 2024.

Owner Martin ClintonOwner Martin Clinton (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“This is due to business increases such as rent, maintenance, business rates, insurance, staff costs, electricity and gas to name a few, unfortunately, the business cannot sustain or swallow these uncontrolled increases.

“Martin and the team are very proud of what we have created and achieved in the short space of time and the members past and present we have met throughout this journey.

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“We appreciate your understanding as this was an extremely difficult decision for all the team involved. We thank you for your support and loyalty over the last two years, and we are all grateful for the opportunity to guide and support all the members In their fitness journeys.

“Martin will be be focusing his efforts on the Darlington club with upcoming upgrades and expansions, in which, [Barnard Castle] memberships will automatically transfer over to this club.”

When it opened in November 2022 Martin told the Echo he wanted to create an atmosphere to cater for all fitness levels, abilities and ages.