A GYM which was forced to evacuate after reports of a chemical spill has now reopened.
Staff and gym-goers at the David Lloyd gym in Romany Road, Worthing, had been forced to leave the health club after fire crews were called to scene.
Firefighters with breathing apparatus attended the incident on Friday.
Pictures from the scene showed people in gym wear standing outside the club, with some draped in emergency blankets to keep warm.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue service confirmed there had been a "small chemical reaction" in the plant room of the gym.
A spokeswoman said: "We were called to reports of a chemical spill at David Lloyd, Worthing at 12.33pm (on Friday, October 15).
"Fire engines from Worthing and Shoreham attended, along with a breathing apparatus support unit.
"Staff at the gym had already evacuated the building, and on arrival firefighters used breathing apparatus and gas monitors to investigate the premises.
"Upon investigation, crews found there had been a small chemical reaction in the plant room.
"They were able to make the scene safe and the incident was then handed over to the site manager."
- READ MORE: Grieving mother sets up support group in memory of son who died in Worthing after taking MDMA
In a statement, a spokeswoman for David Lloyd apologised to members for the inconvenience and said no chemical spill had taken place.
She said: "The health and safety of our members and team is our number one priority.
"At lunchtime on Friday (October 15), our club in Worthing was closed for an hour as a precautionary measure, after a team member had a concern with the appearance of one of the tanks in the plant room.
"The fire brigade performed checks on the tank and confirmed there was no chemical leak or spill of any type and that the club was safe to reopen.
"We would like to apologise to our members for the inconvenience caused and thank them for their patience."
Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.
You can also call us on 01273 021 400.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here