A town centre David Lloyd club will be closing permanently in three months.

The gym, which also has a pool and spa, announced today that "with deep regret" it will be shutting its branch next to Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre in Maidstone.

In a letter sent to members David Llloyd, which operates 130 clubs across nine countries, confirmed the branch would cease operating on May 31.

It said: "It's with deep regret that [we] announce that we will be permanently closing David Lloyd Maidstone.

"The club has been a big part of members' lives for many years and it's not a decision we have taken lightly.

"However, as with any business, we constantly review our individual clubs to ensure that we are operating as efficiently as possible, whilst offering premium and market-leading facilities.

"This combined with the limited expansion potential and close proximity of our neighbouring Kings Hill club, have all been part of making this decision."

David Lloyd admitted in its letter that it knew the news would be "hugely disappointing" to all members.

However, the company is urging its Maidstone members to move their memberships over to the nearby Kings Hill club in West Malling – which offers the same facilities along with a tennis court.

The letter explained: "In some ways we are very fortunate to have another David Lloyd club five miles away, which has a wide range of facilities.

"If you haven't visited Kings Hill, it's worth popping in. You can visit the club until March 31."

The announcement comes almost a year after another nationwide gym chain suddenly closed its doors in the town.

Tru Gym, in the Broadway Shopping Centre, permanently closed in May last year.

In hopes of retaining its customers David Lloyd is allowing members to switch their current membership to Kings Hill from June 1.

The new fee will be £99 a month, a lower price than is paid by new members joining.

David Lloyd has been contacted for comment.