A POPULAR fitness club in Andover is being forced to pay for its venue after relocating last week.

Parafit, a commercial fitness club, moved to Charlton lakes last Tuesday having previously trained at Vigo Park, where it was not required to pay the council to use the public space despite the firm charging customers for its sessions.

The Advertiser reported last year that critics had demanded Test Valley Borough Council should charge the private company for the privilege, while others complained classes were too noisy at Vigo.

Fees of £360 a year have now been brought in, which Parafit says it is happy to pay.

Instructor Jason da Silva said: “Although our main concern at this stage is for our existing clients as for some the travel may not be suitable, it has to be said that the council have been very supportive with offering a choice of venues for relocation and with our time line.”

TVBC community and leisure portfolio holder Cllr Tony Ward said: “Test Valley Borough Council fully supports its residents to keep fit and active.

“The popularity of the Parafit classes has meant that Vigo Recreation Ground is no longer a suitable location and we have been working with Parafit to identify a more appropriate alternative.

“Given the numbers attending the classes and the requirement for accompanying music, we have agreed that it would be better for Parafit to run the classes from the much larger site at Charlton Leisure Centre.”