A popular leisure centre is permanently closing due to the financial strains of the pandemic.

Waterfront Leisure in Gillingham, has been open in Pier Road for 20 years.

But after nearly a year of not taking payments from its members, bosses have announced it can no longer keep going.

In a statement Waterfront Leisure, which included a gym and a pool, said: "It is with regret and a heavy heart that we have to inform you that Waterfront Leisure will be permanently closing with immediate effect.

"Due to the restrictions of the past year we have found ourselves in a position where we cannot financially keep the gym running.

"No payments have been taken during any of the lockdowns and all memberships have now been closed following this statement."

Annual memberships were adjusted for the closure periods and the gym has confirmed that members will be contacted directly regarding their memberships.

The statement added: "We would like to thank every one of you for your continued support throughout the last 20 years.

"We are going to miss you all and hope that you stay safe and well during this difficult time."

"All the staff are deeply saddened and would like to thank you all personally for your continued support during our charity events, personal events and general conversation every day.

"So many friendships have been made throughout our Waterfront family, we know many of you enjoyed the leisure centre not only for your physical well being but your social and mental well being too.

"We are going to miss you all and hope that you stay safe and well during this difficult time."

This is the second centre of its kind in Medway that has closed as a result on the pandemic.

The Park Club in Chatham's Snodhurst Bottom closed down when England entered a national lockdown.

Many gym goers and managers have been in uproar over the closure of gyms throughout the pandemic.

One gym owner labelled the decision to shut down fitness facilities a "total injustice"

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