THE popular Feel-Good Factory Gym, of Montem Leisure Centre, will not be retained when the facility moves to The Centre, Farnham Road.

The elderly users of the gym have told of their dismay with the decision, with one member organising a petition to encourage the new facility to keep it.

The petition has already gathered over 70 signatures.

The organiser of the petition, Jean Sullivan, 70, of Wiltshire Avenue, Slough, said: “It’s the only one like it in the area.

“We have a lady who comes all the way from Bracknell for it. Its very sociable – we make friends there, we have a good laugh. We go for a cup of coffee afterwards.

“I never knew it existed until my doctor recommended it. Lots of doctors have recommended it for people recovering from strokes or who have M.S.

“You see all these adverts about looking after our older people and getting them to exercise, then they want to get rid of our gym.”

Mrs Sullivan said a member of Slough Borough Council’s leisure services team, Victoria Coady, had spoken to her about possible replacements, however Mrs Sullivan did not approve.

Mrs Sullivan said: “She wants to organise walks and armchair exercise – well, we’re not that decrepit.”

A spokeswoman for Slough Borough Council said: “We understand people are upset, but when the facility moves to The Centre, there will be a range of equipment for people of all abilities, and people who are less mobile. There will also be a range of trainers available to help people with the equipment.”

Sally Ellis, contract manager for Everybody Active, which manages Montem Leisure, said: “We feel it is important that the fitness suite at the new centre is able to cater for the need of everyone in the community in a single space.

“State-of-the-art equipment will be installed, which will allow members of all ages and abilities to enjoy a significantly improved experience.”