A wheelchair user has described a recent gym refurbishment as a “whacking change” after claiming he can now only use one machine.

Brian Edgcombe, who has been using the gym at the Dartmouth Leisure Centre for seven years said there is no point going anymore after the refurbishment.

Previously, Mr Edgcombe who is in a wheelchair said he was able to use about seven of the gym machines and even more if he was happy to struggle. He said the previous machines had fold away seats which meant he could move into position in his chair.

However, now Mr Edgcombe said the seats are “fixed” which is a “whacking change”.

He added: “There is no point going back now.” This is due to the fact that he is only able to use one machine from his wheelchair now.

“There are four gyms in the South Hams and Dartmouth was the best one for disabled access because the gym in Totnes was on the second floor.” Mr Edgcombe is from Totnes, but previously made the journey to Dartmouth to use the gym.

He described the gym refurbishment as a “big blow” and complained that now there wasn’t a gym for him and other wheelchair users to use in the South Hams.

However, Mr Edgcombe said the staff at the leisure centre did try to help and were understanding of his situation.

A spokesman from Fusion said: “The new gym was designed with the disabled user in mind, and makes improvements on the old gym lay out. 

“There is a wider range of equipment and exercises for the disabled user plus it is more inclusive as many machines can be used by the able bodied and disabled alike.

“After the new gym was installed some disabled users did request that we reinstalled a hand/arm ergometer, we listened to their feedback and this piece of equipment is now back on the gym floor.

“Feedback so far from our disabled users has been overwhelmingly positive. Dartmouth Leisure Centre prides itself in being disabled user friendly, with a wide flat entry point, no steps in the centre, wide doorways, newly installed graduated steps and hoist in the pool, plus disabled facilities.