Preston gym owner loses battle to remain open during lockdown as court order closes his premises

To help limit the spread of coronavirus, gyms across England have been shut since November 5, but Steven Todd, 55, who runs Reps Gym in Preston, has continued defying Government rules - despite being hit with £1,000 fines - claiming it is important' for people's mental health.

People have travelled from as far as Liverpool to use his facilities.

Todd says he isn't bound by coronavirus legislation and had signed two affidavits - sworn statements - indicating he does not believe he has contractually agreed to comply with any of the coronavirus regulations with the council,.

The court heard he had accepted government cash help under coronavirus regulations during lockdown one.

He appeared at Preston Magistrates' Court on behalf of his business, Reps Gym on the Roman Way Industrial Estate, which has been issued with several prohibition notices by Preston City Council since October for flouting Covid-19 restrictions.

The authority has now applied for a three month closure order citing three aspects - serious public nuisance caused by opening the gym, likely disorder and criminal behaviour.

He argues the council's response is "disproportionate and heavy handed".

Prosecuting for the council, Sarah Clover said the authority served a closure notice on February 4 .

She added: " There has been a protracted history which has already attracted a range of enforcement interventions which have not included any direct interventions preventing public access.

"It hasn't worked and Mr Todd persists in opening the premises."

Defending, Tom Lord, said Todd believed the "construction of the legislation" was improper and on dates when they visited, Mr Todd had signed two affidavits he offered to Lancashire Constabulary.

Sgt Scott Archer, of Lancashire Police, was called to give evidence.

Referring to Sgt Archer's statement he said: " There are numerous entries in it from the service of the closure notice, to back before Christmas, throughout which, and I'm focusing here on the serious public nuisance aspect, you make reference to distressed residents, without providing further details as to age, name and location.

"There are repeated references to members of public contacting police and being unhappy

"Reps Gym is situated on an industrial estate, geographically separate from any residential area. On one side is a motorhome seller and on the left is Livesey Poultry business.