Rebel Preston gym obeys court order to close

The shutters were down at Reps Gym in Ribbleton today.

Reps Gym on the Roman Way Industrial Estate, which had been ignoring fixed penalty notices issued by the city council since November, was shuttered this morning after overnight action by officers.

Copies of a closure order issued by Preston Magistrates Court yesterday were on display on all the doors, making any attempt to access the building illegal.

Gym boss Steven Todd, who has been consistently resisted attempts to close his business, will now have to remain shut for three months. He has also been hit with a bill for costs of more than £9,000.

The court's closure order taped to the gym doors.

Environmental Health officers and police visited the premises last night to enforce the magistrates' decision.

“Following the court’s decision, our officers have acted quickly to carry out this closure and bar access to the premises," said Coun Peter Moss the city council's deputy leader and cabinet member for planning and regulation. "We are grateful to the ongoing support of Lancashire Police in resolving this situation.

“The irresponsible behaviour to deliberately ignore Covid restrictions has posed a risk to public health and we had no choice but to pursue this resolution after weeks of actively engaging with the business owner to help him understand the restrictions.

“While we all want gyms, restaurants, bars and every other business to be able to reopen, this remains unsafe while the pandemic continues to pose such a great risk to public health and it is important that businesses and residents continue to follow the rules until it is safe for things to return to normal.”

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We recognise Preston City Council’s commitment to tackling Covid rule breakers in order to protect the public. We fully support this action.”