With the cost of living crisis taking a toll on so many families across the UK, its more important now than ever to provide the public with free healthy activities. 

One such issue is the affordability of gym memberships, with the cheapest end of the options already amounting to around twenty five pounds per month. 

With this in mind, Newbury Town Council have installed a new outdoor gym park for people to exercise on completely for free, and its fully decked out too! 

However, since news of this new outdoor facility broke out plenty of Newbury's residents have been taking to social media to express their thoughts on the new addition to Victoria Park. 

One person said "A complete waste of money. I’m in the park nearly every day and have never seen anyone using the equipment.

"You can’t adjust the resistance on the machines either so they’re almost pointless anyway. I understand for people who can’t afford a gym membership they’re potentially good however the equipment doesn’t get used."

The park includes a leg press, a rowing machine, pull up bars, and a chest press. 

A spokesperson for Newbury Town Council said the following statement: "We are thrilled to announce a new outdoor gym in Victoria Park!

"You may have noticed that we have started work in Victoria Park on a new outdoor gym facility. The existing equipment had been in place for a number of years and had become beyond its best.

"This project reflects our commitment to promoting health and well-being within our community by providing residents with innovative and accessible fitness solutions.

"We are hoping that the new facility will be complete by the end of this month, with a grand re-opening with the Mayor of Newbury! In the meantime here's an artist's impression of the new facility."

The new gym equipment was welcomed to the park for the first time on Friday April 19 where the Mayor of Newbury Councillor Nigel Foot and the Deputy Mayor of Newbury Councillor Andy Moore joined the festivities and even had a go on some of the machines. 

The spokesperson for the council continued "The Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Nigel Foot, had a go on the new outdoor fitness equipment in Victoria Park when it was officially unveiled on Tuesday, proving that staying active is for everyone!

"Our Deputy Mayor, Cllr Andy Moore also had a go! We would like to encourage everyone to come and give it a try - and it's all for free!"