MORE than 100 people have signed a petition calling for a popular gym to open longer...despite complaints over noise and traffic chaos.

Bosses at Virgin Active, in Rayleigh Road, Thundersley, have applied to Castle Point Council for permission to open between 6am and 10pm during the week. Members can currently use the gym between 8am and 9pm on weekdays.

The proposed new opening are designed to help Virgin Active compete with its rivals.

In planning documents Russell Adams, from Adams Planning and Development Ltd, acting on behalf of Virgin Active, said: “The management of the Virgin Active Health Club have received strong demand for the extended opening times from members.

“Members are increasingly wishing to visit the Health Club before work during the working week. This demand is demonstrated by the enclosed collection of 115 signatures over a two week period.

“It is of vital importance that Virgin Active responds to this increasing demand to ensure the future viability of the club, safeguard jobs, and keep up with competition.”

The report adds that other gyms in the area are open from as early as 4am.

However, residents living close to the gym are concerned about the impact longer opening hours could have. One anonymous neighbour, who has lodged a formal objection with Castle Point Council, said: “This business has steadily grown bigger over the years and has already extended its opening hours once, and has also been turned down previously to extend yet again.

“What has changed now? Nothing. The surrounding residents will still have increased noise, disturbance, pollution, and increased traffic. Give us some peace.”

Bosses claim the new hours will improve traffic problems during the evening rush hour as working members will be able to visit the gym in the morning. The car park has 300 spaces.