Trust reopens Exmoor Fitness Centre in Dulverton

Leisure trust 1610 has reopened the Exmoor Fitness Centre in Dulverton after closing it earlier this year.

The trust, which owns and operates the site, said the temporary closure was due to "concerns about falling gym memberships and the long- term viability of the facility".

Following a public consultation with local people keen to keep the facility open, 1610 has launched a new group exercise programme - to be held at the local primary school in Dulverton.

The strategy is to hold pilates and yoga classes at the school in order to attract more people to become active - with body conditioning classes to support the group classes being held at the fitness centre.

Members will be entitled to attend two classes under the membership scheme and personal training sessions will also be made available.

1610 aims to launch a GP referral scheme at the centre at a later date when the facility has been officially accredited.

The opening hours of the centre have also been extended and the gym has been updated with new equipment.

A spokesperson for 1610 said: "We carried out an extensive public consultation programme during the summer months to explore new ways to enhance services and boost membership at the centre which was withdrawn at the end of April.

"We've listened to local people and we hope that we have a flexible and cost effective service that meets the needs of the local community.

"The future of the centre is totally dependent on how much local people want to use it and we urge them to come along and see what we now have an offer and they will be guaranteed a warm welcome and expert fitness advice on how best to work out and improve their health."

1610 - formerly Somerset Leisure - currently operates 17 leisure centres based on school sites across Somerset and Devon.