A GYM could close if a new company doesn’t come forward to buy it within six months.

LA fitness, in Clarendon Way, Colchester, is one of 33 gyms the national chain has put up for sale in attempts to reduce its £290million debt.

A company spokesman confirmed it is looking for new operators for those gyms but there is a six-month deadline before they will have to shut.

Letters detailing the blow were sent to gym landlords last Thursday.

Staff at the Colchester gym, which employs around 30 people, were told on Friday morning.

Gym members started to be told later that day.

Meanwhile the gym will continue to run as normal.

The LA fitness spokesman said it was hoped employees would be able to transfer to the new gym operator, if one is found.

Each club has on average 2,450 members.

The LA fitness group owns 80 gyms nationwide and said a “restructuring plan” was underway to focus on its a smaller portfolio of gyms and to secure its future.

LA fitness is seeking to reduce the rent on the 33 clubs it wants to sell, for six months.