Fitness classes for senior citizens in Whittlesey are set to benefit from new equipment designed to be more flexible.

The new equipment will be in place by the end of this month.

Members of the Friday morning Motivate class contacted the Cambs Times concerned that the old equipment had been taken away and that the session would become a floor-based exercise regime.

But Fenland District Council, assured them that by taking the old pieces of equipment away it meant new exercise machines were on the way.

A spokesman for Fenland said: “We are constantly looking at new fitness options that the industry offers to help us give our customers the best value and experience at all our centres.

“The Easyline equipment has reached the end of its lifespan. It has been used for a number of years and is now in poor condition.

“We are replacing it with new equipment that will arrive next week. It is more flexible and suitable for all levels of fitness and means that our instructors will be more able to modify classes to suit individuals’ varying abilities.

“All our instructors have the skills, experience and knowledge to continue to offer first-rate classes that make the best use of the latest equipment.”

Gerry Smith, one of around 20 people who enjoy the weekly class, said: “Unfortunately our instructor has not been told what the ‘new equipment’ will be. “What we have been left with is not really a suitable replacement for the machines that have all been removed, especially when it has occurred at the same time as a 15% increase in charges.

“Our Friday group has great loyalty and support for our instructor who is excellent but we believe the mistake that was initially made was a complete lack of any manager coming to explain the situation to us,which has left the group and other groups for the same class with other instructors, angry and upset that we are not being given positive explanations.

“We look forward to the arrival of the ‘new equipment’ and hope that it includes new machinery.”