A GYM has closed its doors after 13 years of success following a lengthy battle with c2c over roof repairs.

James Chisholm, owner of The Locker Room, has invested around £100,000 since he started his business at Southend Central train station.

The 42-year-old was told he could not re-open last month due to the site being “unsafe”, with c2c set to carry out repairs to the train station roof.

Left in limbo, the business boss has repeatedly asked for a timeline for the work, although the firm insist they informed him a year ago that the gym would not be able to re-open.

Echo: Fighter - James ChisholmFighter - James Chisholm

Mr Chisholm, from Rayleigh, said: “This has been going on for months, when I hoped it would’ve been done during lockdown. I’ve been going in myself painting and refurbishing to get the place ready.

“This has massive implications financially when running a business and I can’t sit and put my life on hold.”

Determined not to give up, Mr Chisholm will now temporarily move his business to Southchurch Park – with a summer of workshops lined up for both kids and adults.

He hopes he will soon be able to find a new home for the gym, with the lease terminated and the boss is currently on the search for a new venue.

Mr Chisholm added: “When you’re building a gym from scratch you put so much time and effort into it,. We even added a second floor, changing rooms and new stairs too.

“This is far from the end, but I’d love to send a huge thank you to all my loyal members and fighters for their support.

“Thankfully it’s only a building, when The Locker Room is about the people. I’m looking forward to the next chapter.”

A spokesperson from c2c, said: “We try to be a good landlord to the 70+ businesses who have tenancies at our stations, which is why we gave the Locker Room Gym over one year’s notice that they need to vacate the property, as well as waiving all their rent since January last year.

“We need vacant possession of the property so we can safely complete the extensive repair works.

“The impact of the pandemic has obviously been hugely disruptive to everyone, and we’re no exception. The huge reduction in passenger numbers has affected our budgets and therefore delayed when we have been able to start. We are receiving ongoing Government support and will spend this taxpayer money very carefully. The future use of this building is under review, as it is now a potential site for a new driver training facility. If it does become available again, we would be happy to offer the Locker Room a new tenancy.”