FIRE crews were called to Total Fitness in Wilmslow Way, Handforth on Friday, April 13, following reports of a chemical leak.

Two people were taken to hospital.

The building was evacuated and the product, believed to involve sodium bisulphate mixed with sodium hyperchlorite, was removed from the site.

A spokesperson for the gym said the leak was ‘due to a mechanical failure causing a chemical leak which was contained in the plant room. The closure is in line with health and safety protocol and procedures were followed to ensure no danger to our members and staff.'

A number of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service vehicles Crews were in attendance for four hours, and carried out decontamination and ventilation of the area, using breathing apparatus and gas tight suits.

The gym opened again as normal the next day, except for the hydrotherapy pool and physio pool which remained closed.