A GYM for women based in Corringham Town centre is closing its doors and moving to a new venue – with part of the cause being the increase in anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Earlier this week Nub News reported on the latest attack on a shopkeeper in the town, and also on a robbery when windows at the local Boots Chemist were smashed.

Now Natalie Cartlidge, the director of Oasis Women which is in the Grover walk shopping complex says she has closed its doors for the last time.

She said: "Sadly Oasis Women Gym will be closing our doors. It's not all bad news we are relocating, but it's a difficult day for all staff, members and the community as a whole.

"I've personally tried everything to keep the business going but with Covid and our long closures, rising costs of literally everything and ongoing issues with gangs it has become impossible.

"Before I took the business over, turning it into a gym in 2018, It was a Curves fitness facility for 10 years.

"Since 2018 we have raised more than £30,000 for charities, offered outreach support work with Thurrock's Women's Refuge and run bootcamps at local schools.

"We have supported women through post pregnancy, depression, rehabilitation, weight loss/gain and a healthier lifestyle.

"We have worked with wonderful young girls in our community helping to raise their self esteem and self worth through fitness and well being. We have cooperated with other health professions to support ladies recovering from cancer, brain-haemorrhages, hip replacements, stokes, eating disorders, injuries and so much more.

"We have a saying in our little club that we are so much more than a gym and it's so true. This group of women are truly amazing and that is why I simply couldn't give up our little "Oasis."

"I'm pleased to say we will be reopening at East Thurrock Community Association on Corringham Road next Wednesday, 12 July with an open afternoon at 4pm. The whole team at the ECTA have been great over the last few months as we transformed the upstairs lounge into a brand-new gym and fitness studio for girls and women of all ages.

"Although it's sad, we are looking on the positive side that we may be moving physically but our community is more than our four walls.

"We will grow and be stronger than ever. Wishing all our fellow shops and businesses in Corringham Town Centre the best of luck.

"It has been a wonderful community to be part of. The concern they express about the crime level, cost of living, quietness of the town are all extremely valid.

"I have seen it and lived it the past few years. Please support local businesses where you can … before we lose them all together."

Meanwhile Thurrock's police commander says his force responded in a timely manner to last week's incident at the Premier store when a gang of youths attacked its manager with an iron bar and ransacked stock.

Tony Atkin, Thurrock District Commander, said: "We take any incidents of antisocial behaviour extremely seriously and hear what residents in Corringham say about this issue. 

"Our officers responded quickly to this incident and are working at pace to trace those involved. 

"We rely on our good links with the communities we serve and I would continue to urge anyone with concerns to get in touch with us."

A force statement about the incident says: "We were called shortly after 1.10pm on Sunday 2 July to reports of an assault at a shop in St John's Way, Corringham. 

"The caller reported a store worker had been assaulted following a disturbance involving a group of teenagers. 

"Our officers were on the scene by 1.32pm and spoke to members of public, with one witness passing on relevant intelligence to assist us with our enquiries. 

"The victim had suffered a cut to his nose and was advised by officers to go to hospital for further checks. 

"Our inquiries into this incident are ongoing and we would ask anyone with information to get in touch with us. 

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote incident number 0635 of 2 July."