A FITNESS club says it is suffering from speculation over its future after multi-million pound plans for redeveloping its site were unveiled.

The riverbank in Walkergate, Durham, has been identified as a site for a £20m development including apartments, a caf bar, piazza and underground car park.

The scheme, put forward by architects Howarth Litchfield Partnership for an undisclosed developer, would mean the demolition of the city's former ice rink, which is now home to Meridian Health and Fitness and the Kascada ten-pin bowling complex, owned by the Priano family.

The scheme, which was announced earlier this year but has yet to win planning permission, has already been criticised by English Heritage as possibly harming the setting of the city's World Heritage Site.

Meridian and Health and Fitness has been running for five years and has about 1,700 members.

Manager Wayne Peachey said the development proposals were having an impact on the club.

"People are a little bit nervous about renewing their membership. They are taking monthly or six-monthly instead of taking out 12 or 24 months.''

But he added: "Meridian is not going anywhere. We are here to stay and will continue to provide a premier health and fitness facility for the people of Durham.''

Mr Peachey said speculation about the club's future - as well comments about the appearance of the ice rink building - had been upsetting and stressful for the club's 25 staff as well as members.