Members at a women-only gym which was destroyed by a fire have been told they cannot cancel their contracts.

Fitness First in Queen's Road, Brighton, was gutted by a fire which tore through the building last Thursday.

Now members have been told they are locked into their contracts with the gym and cannot quit.

And gym bosses have told them if they have been a member for less than 12 months they should travel to Eastbourne to use facilities there until the Brighton branch reopens.

Melody Robinson, 43, of Melville Road, in Hove, who has been a member of the gym for ten months, said: "I'm dumbfounded they won't let us leave. I really am shocked by their treatment of members.

"I phoned them up and they said I'm tied into the agreement. They've told us to go to Eastbourne, which is ridiculous. I wouldn't get home until 10.30pm by the time I had got a train there and back. It's just too far. I chose the one in Brighton for convenience."

The basement gym was severely damaged in one of the biggest fires in the county this year. Thirteen fire engines tackled the blaze, which started in the early hours of June 26.

Crews spent four hours at the scene and fire investigators are still assessing how it started.

Text messages were sent to members asking them to be patient while alternative arrangements were found until the gym could be renovated.

Under the terms and conditions of the contract, members are not bound to give notice to leave if there has been a material breach of the contract.

Miss Robinson has now joined another gym and plans to argue her case with Fitness First.

Other members have expressed disappointment with the way the fitness club has handled the situation.

Tegan Foley, 25, of Elm Grove, Brighton, said: "Fitness First has handled its members extremely badly. I had to phone them as I had heard nothing regarding what was happening with my membership. Surely it's in their interest to make their members aware of the situation."

Fitness First is awaiting reports on the cause of the fire, which is believed to be related to an electrical fault.

A spokeswoman said: "We are unable to advise when the club will be reopened because we are still awaiting a full assessment on the damage from the fire.

"Members are encouraged to contact the Fitness First member service department on 0845 2710660 if they wish to discuss their membership options."