Parking fees are being scrapped for members of a leisure centre.

Lockmeadow Health Club at Barker Road, Maidstone is now free for members for up to three hours.

A spokesman explained: “We are very excited to confirm members can now park free of charge for up to three hours while they are in our Health Club.

“Members will simply need to register their details at our reception terminal upon arrival.

“Please be aware that car park users must be using the health club when they park in our car park and register their details with us.

“Failure to do so many incur charges or fines.”

One person described the announcement as “amazing news”.

Members previously had to pay £1 to use the car park, £2 for up to two hours, and £2.50 for a maximum of three hours.

Users will still have to pay £3.50 for up to four hours of use, £5 for up to five hours, and £7.50 for more than five hours.

These remain in effect from 8am until 6.30pm.

The leisure centre has gym facilities, an indoor pool, plus a health suite.

It was taken over by Maidstone Leisure Trust (MLT) and Serco in May after David Lloyd announced it was pulling out of running it in February.

MLT, which also helps run Mote Park and Maidstone Leisure Centre, is run in partnership with the borough council.