Highfield Community Gym is to close after its owners announced they were taking the 'difficult decision' to redivert resources.

The popular St Albans gym will close its doors next month, with owners One YMCA choosing to focus their resources and attention on working with the most vulnerable across Hertfordshire, especially the young, the homeless and those recovering from abuse.

A spokesperson for One YMCA told the Herts Ad that the decision was "not taken lightly" but has been necessitated by the cost of living crisis and will allow them to focus their resources on those who need the most help.

CEO Guy Foxell said: " Ceasing our operations at Highfield Community Gym has been a difficult decision.

"We know how important the gym is for people's health and wellbeing, however, with the cost of living being at an all-time high and affecting so many of our community we have made the necessary decision to focus our resources to enable us to change and save even more lives locally, especially among the young, the homeless and those recovering from abuse."

There are hopes that the gym's future could be saved by a new provider at the site, although details remain scarce at this time.

One YMCA have thanked staff and members for their loyalty over the years.