Harringay gym to receive members frozen out of torched Tottenham Fitness First

Fitness First Harringay is set to receive some of the members from the riot-scarred Tottenhan branch whilst it is rebuilt.

After the Fitness First in Tottenham High Road was gutted and set alight by looters last month, some 2,000 customers were told they could only use three nearby gyms at a reduced rate of £25 a month or have their contract frozen until the company could repair the extensive damage.

But the building, which has been deemed unsafe and needs to be entirely rebuilt, is not expected to be up and running for anywhere between a year and 18 months.

One member, who did not want to be named, said: “Fitness First has millions in the bank with gyms all over the world.

“Why are they treating Tottenham members this way? They are even threatening legal action if any member cancels their membership.”

Tottenham Hale ward Cllr Alan Stanton said: “The issue is: are national companies who have a presence in Tottenham going to be supportive and helpful in the rebuilding of Tottenham? Firms need to consider seriously their responsibility and not antagonise their customers.”

The alternative branches offered are not even that neraby. They are Harringay, Seven Sisters Road, Holloway, and High Road, North Finchley.

In a letter to members, Fitness First bosses said: “Following the damage caused during the recent riots, initial reports indicate that it could be a few months before we are able to re-open our club in Tottenham.

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this causes to members but are sure you will understand that these circumstances are beyond our control.”