Budget gym operator Fitness4Less has revealed that it will not be reopening its Bristol club when lockdown measures are lifted.

Attributing the closure to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said in a statement that it had "no option" but to make the decision to shut the site permanently.

"While we have been closed, our management team has done everything possible to protect the business and jobs," the company said in a statement.

"However, we are sadly not in a position to reopen our branch in Bristol.

"To secure our future it has been necessary that we gain the support of our partners and landlords and agree on a way forward with them. In the case of Bristol, unfortunately, this has not been possible and therefore our business here is not commercially sustainable in these uncertain times.

"This was not an easy or quick decision for the team, however, it was a necessary move to help us focus on the future of the remaining branches.

"We, of course, will be looking to re-deploy staff where practical and give them the support and references they need to successfully secure new jobs.

"We can all agree that we would never have foreseen the situation we all find ourselves in and the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on our friends, family and society as a whole.

"Businesses have suffered and unfortunately, there will continue to be challenges for many service industry sectors, such as ours, as lockdown eases and there is a slow return to normality."

Facilities at the Bristol gym included a large mixed gym area with treadmills, cross trainers, bikes and rowers, a studio space, a functional training and stretch area, separate indoor bike studio and a large free weights area.

There was also a large private ladies-only gym area – with private access from the female changing rooms – and the gym offered a number of free instructor-led fitness classes each week.

Following the closure, Fitness4Less retains eight clubs – four in London and one each in Watford, Northampton, Worcester and Colchester.