Directors of a gym company have voiced their shock after plans for a neighbouring discount store to take over their premises were put forward.

An application has been submitted by the owners of Home Bargains, TJ Morris Limited, to extend its branch on Holt Street in Wrexham into a next door business unit, which is currently occupied by Simply Gym.

However, Simply Gym said they were not aware of the plans until they were reported in the local media and have a lease on the site which runs until 2028.

They are now calling on the company to retract the application.

Andy Hastings, a director at Simply Gym which has fitness centres across the UK, said: "We were very shocked and disappointed to hear of the planning application submission in this manner.

"There was no notification from the landlords, and there is certainly no agreement in place between us for the closure of the gym.

"Simply Gym signed a 15 year lease in 2013, meaning we will continue to operate until at least February 2028.

"We would like to assure our staff and our members that there are no plans to close or relocate.

"Having just recently spent over £100,000 on new equipment and converting the gym for 24 hour use we have committed not only to improving the facilities we are able to offer, but also to this site and the long term future of Simply Gym Wrexham."

In the planning application, TJ Morris said the new unit would measure approximately 3,108 square metres.

The company said it would enable the extension of sale of food and drink sales.

They added that the changes would result in less traffic using the site as a result of the gym moving.

TJ Morris Limited has been contacted for comment.