GYM members have hit out at David Lloyd claiming the company is mistreating existing users to exploit the closure of Total Fitness.

The David Lloyd gym in Cromwell Avenue, Great Sankey, has been offering former members of Total Fitness 12 months membership for £40 a month. It is usually £74.

However, existing members at David Lloyd were not offered the new rate, meaning they are paying nearly double to use the same facilities.

One member, who did not wish to be named, said: “We are upset because this means that we are paying almost 100 per cent more than former Total Fitness customers.

“And the offer only applies to ex-Total Fitness customers.

“If someone from David Lloyd left and subsequently rejoined some time later, they could not enjoy the same value.

“I feel that myself and a lot of other people from Warrington have been treated very unfairly.”

It is believed 400 people joined over four days for £40.

A spokesman for David Lloyd said: “We are very sorry to hear that David Lloyd Leisure’s recent offer has caused dissatisfaction among some Warrington members.

“Our offer was a genuine attempt to assist those Total Fitness members left without a place to exercise due to their club’s closure.

“However, we were made aware that some of our loyal members were unhappy and took the decision to withdraw it.”

David Lloyd has since upped the introductory offer to £60 a month, still £14 less than the standard rate.