GYM members at Shoebury Leisure Centre have hit out at the filthy toilets and equipment.

Southend Council, which owns the gym, has said it is carrying out a review of the centre and its cleaning regime.

Melanie Barker, of Goldsworthy Drive, Great Wakering, pays £25 a month to use the gym in Delaware Road, Shoebury.

She said: "Since September it's gradually been getting worse.

"It's foul. It looks like it hasn't been cleaned in ages and there's mud on the floor of the loos and the changing rooms. It's a bit of a cheek really, I know it's the cheapest gym around, but you'd expect it to be cleaned."

Mrs Barker, 34, said it had become so bad she will no longer use the swimming pool.

"I wouldn't use the swimming pool because I wouldn't put my bare feet on the floor because it's all black and dirty," she said.

Kevin Read, Southend Council leisure officer, said: "Our leisure centres are managed on our behalf by Creating Leisure.

"We take complaints very seriously, especially in relation to cleanliness. We are undertaking a review of Shoebury Leisure Centre and the cleaning regime."