MEMBERS of a Whitefield gym were left in a fit of anger on Wednesday when the company introduced car parking fees.

Before the Total Fitness centre opened, those joining were informed that the car parking facilities would be free.

Advertisements in the local press for the gym on Bury New Road stated that free parking was one of the centre's facilities.

But on Wednesday, a month after its opening, gobsmacked gym users were being told they would have to pay if they wanted to stay more than two hours at the centre: although bosses later said they were allowed to park free for three hours.

Carol Worsley (58), of Blackford Bridge, joined Total Fitness in February and paid £209 for the year. She said that one of the first questions she asked staff was if she would be able to park her car for free.

She said: "I got there on Wednesday morning, and barriers had been put up. I had to take a ticket and if I wanted to stay longer than two hours I would have to pay.

"I was told when I joined, and paid upfront, that the car park would be free. I think members have been misled.

"When I use the gym, I might be in there longer than two or, as they are now saying, three hours. If I take part in a class, I have to be there half an hour before it starts, then the class is almost an hour long, so that is almost two hours."

Mr Robin Johnson, chief executive of Total Fitness, said: "The signs displayed on the building for the car park apply to the general public and gives them one hour's free parking.

"There are further signs for members which gives them three hours free parking."

Member Bill Souter (64) paid £240 for a year's membership and visits the gym five times a week, often spending several hours there working out, having a swim and relaxing in the juice bar afterwards with his friends.

He said: "The guy who runs the cafe was about £60 down because we didn't have time to go there; I'm sure he was livid!

"When I joined I was told nothing about having to pay for car parking and if I hadn't already paid up front for 12 months I would have cancelled my membership. I certainly won't be parking my car on the car park when I go to the gym."

Mr Souter said that on Wednesday he was three minutes over two hours and had to pay 50p. When he learned the limit had been changed to three hours he said he would be demanding his money back "on principle".

Member Saiqa Chaudhari said: "Why have management sprung this on us? It certainly was not mentioned in their rush to sign up members. Their advertisements clearly stated that free car parking would be available.

"Three hours is better than the two hours that we were first being offered. But it is still not enough. Many members enjoy working out and then relaxing in the hydrotherapy area, but now we will have no choice but to keep an eye on our watches.

"Total Fitness has introduced charges in an area which has always offered free car parking for all.

"I presume now that Total Fitness has changed its conditions without warning that members who wish to leave will be released from their 12-month contract."