Customers are 'gutted' over the temporary closure of a Grantham leisure centre, following the imposition of tighter coronavirus regulations.

Oceans Health and Fitness in Dysart Road made the announcement last night, after the government announced Lincolnshire was moving up from Tier 3 to Tier 4.

The club posted on Facebook yesterday (Wed): "We are absolutely devastated to inform you that due to new government tier changes we will be closed from 6pm tonight until further notice.

"Please rest assured that your membership will be paused and payments will not be taken. We are contacting Clubwise in an attempt to stop DDs for the first if at all possible. You do not need to cancel your Direct Debit, we will take all the necessary action for you.

"Please also be aware that our sector has had very little support from the government, apart from being offered expensive loans that must be repaid.

"We are delighted that we have been able to furlough our staff and have them keep the majority of their income through this period, despite the business still being required to pay the NIC and Pension costs relating to this.

"The arts and the hospitality sectors have received additional government financial aid that has not been made available to the health and fitness sector.

"UK Active this week described the sector as "on the brink" without proper support. Gyms have also been statistically proved as one of the safest places during the pandemic. We also know that being fit and healthy is one of the key ways in which you can fight Covid-19 should you be unfortunate and contract it.

"The only reason we raise this with our members is so you can all continue to be part of the community putting pressure on the government to allow safe forms of exercise to take place and the sector's regrowth to take place with proper support."

The club continued: "We kindly ask you to stay with us through this last period of closure, before we are able to get the vulnerable vaccinated and move on with our lives.

"We don't ask you for anything when we are shut but simply to be there with us when we are open. If you do that then we will come back and spend the end of 2021 getting everything back to normal and starting to improve your club as we had planned to in 2020 and all move from strength to strength together."

The post added: "More than anything we hope you stay safe and well at this difficult time."

Customers and members praised the club for safety.

Deborah Anne Birchenough posted in response: "You've all been so brilliant and have felt so safe in the steps you've taken â¤ï¸ we'll be back don't worry and stay safe "

Joan Smith said: "Oceans has been such a safe environment. So very sad and disappointed that you are forced to close. Thank you for being there, and let's all hope and pray for a better 2021 â¤."

Lauren Fern said: "Gutted about this- whilst I understand the need to get the cases under control, personally I think gyms are vital for not only keeping fit but also mental health and well-being. I have always felt oceans has provided a safe environment and will be back as soon as possible."