A GYM off Taunton town centre is closing at the end of this month (August).

Members at Anytime Fitness, in Orchard Shopping Centre, will pump iron and clock up the miles on the treadmill for the last time on Thursday, August 31.

The owner of the gym, which is near Taunton Library and is open 24 hours a day, has decided to shut after more than eight years, citing financial pressures.

Members were informed of the closure via e-mail last week.

READ MORE: Flashback to April 2015 when Anytime Fitness opened in Taunton.

They will still be able to use their membership at other Anytime Fitness venue nationwide, including in Wellington.

There are almost 200 Anytime Fitness gyms across the country, although each is run as a franchise.

Staff in Taunton said they had been told not to talk about the closure plans when approached by the County Gazette.

But a spokesman at the company's head office said: "All Anytime Fitness locations are independently owned by franchisees and after over eight years of operating the gym, the gym’s owner has taken the difficult decision to close the location permanently at midday on Thursday, August 31.

"The decision has been taken due to the incredibly challenging macro-economic climate, rising operational and energy costs of running the gym and an increase in budget competition in the local area.

READ MORE: Anytime Fitness plans for Wellington approved in 2017.

"The owner would like to thank all Anytime Fitness Taunton members for their loyal patronage over the past eight years.

"All members were informed by email last week and no further payments will be debited from their accounts.

"All memberships will remain active until September 15, allowing members to access any of Anytime Fitness’ 185-plus gyms across the UK and Ireland beyond Taunton’s closure date – including the location in nearby Wellington."