Lancashire's health chief intervenes in lockdown stand-off between Preston gym owner and Council

Steven Todd, owner of Reps Gym, made national headlines after police visited him for the 11th time on Friday (January 29).

Nearly a week later, Steven's gym remains open and he claims the authorities are "powerless" to stop him.

The Post had been interviewing Steven at his gym in Roman Way Industrial Estate, Longridge Road when police served him with his latest fine - you can watch our footage here.

Today, Lancashire's senior health adviser has intervened in the stand-off between Steven and Preston City Council, who have yet to close him down.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, the county's director of public health, has appealed to the gym owner to "do the right thing" and has offered to meet with Steven to "help him understand" the importance of following coronavirus guidance.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi said: "I know many people are finding the lockdown is a struggle, but that is no reason to flout the rules which are there to protect us.

"Every single person and business in Lancashire has a part to play and I am more than happy to meet with the owner of Reps Gym to try and help him understand the importance of everyone working together and appeal to him to do the right thing.

"Ultimately what is happening at Reps Gym is irresponsible, illegal and deeply unfair to others who are trying hard to play by the rules."

Why has Reps Gym not been shut down?

Lancashire Police said it has now issued a total of 24 fixed penalty notices to the gym owner and his customers since restrictions came into force.

Steven has been fined a total of £3,000 but says he does not intend to pay the fines and will "100% not be closing" his gym.

He claims the police, council and courts are "powerless" to stop him and says he is determined to stay open to "help those desperate to train for their mental health".

"I have not, and will not, pay a penny of the fines", he said, adding, "these are just pieces of paper, they don't actually count for anything".

Lancashire Police said "anyone who refuses to pay a fine is liable to be summonsed to appear at court", but said enforcement action to close the gym remains with Preston City Council.

After Steven was handed his latest fine on Friday, his gym returned to "business as usual" and continues to open on a daily basis.

Preston City Council have served two prohibition notices on Steven. The first order was issued to him on January 15 after he was visited by police and the Council's environmental health officers and a second legal notice was served on him yesterday (Wednesday, February 3).

But the Council's demands for him to close has not had any impact and Reps Gym remains open 6-days-a-week, with Steven insisting that the authorities are "powerless" to prevent him operating his business.

Steven says the city council warned him in writing yesterday (February 3) that it will seek to prosecute him under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (Part 4, Chapter 3) if he refuses to close.

The Act empowers police and/or the local authority to seek "the closure of premises associated with nuisance or disorder". It is most commonly used to close pubs and clubs where regular incidents of public disorder cause problems for communities.

When asked about this yesterday, Preston City Council would not say whether legal action against Steven is being considered, but said it would "follow the necessary protocols".

What happens next?

Councillor Peter Moss, deputy leader at Preston City Council, said: "This is a matter we take very seriously and will continue to exercise our regulatory powers against businesses who refuse to follow restrictions designed to keep the public safe.

"Businesses are aware of what they need to do and the repercussions of failing to do so.

"We continue to work closely with Lancashire Police and follow the necessary protocols to take further action to tackle non-compliance, but due to legal reasons cannot provide further information at this time."

What does the gym owner say about efforts to close him down?

Steven says the city council is "grasping at straws" by trying to use legislation aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour to stop him from opening his gym.

He claims this is "proof" that the Coronavirus Act 2020 cannot be used to enforce lockdown rules designed to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

He said: "They're digging around for something to pin on me, but they don't have anything. They're grasping at straws. This is because I am not breaking any laws.

"I have not committed a crime and I have no intention of closing my business. The council has already served me with a prohibition notice, which is not worth the paper it's printed on.

"As you can see, we're still open. Why do you think that is? Because they can't close me down. It's as simple as that.

"They can try and make it difficult for me and they can threaten to take me to court, but they will be opening up a can of worms."

Why is Steven refusing to close his gym?

Steven says he is keeping his gym open to "help those desperate to train for their mental health".

He says he has chosen not to take any Government grants to help businesses struggling during lockdown as that would be "hypocritical". He also says his gym is open free-of-charge to those members who are struggling with depression, anxiety and isolation because of lockdown.

He said: "And it's not about the money or simply refusing to cooperate with the authorities. It's because I care about these lads.

"I know people who are very close to suicidal tendencies. I can go into the gym and I know lads who have lost friends because of their battles with mental health.

"I can't shut because I couldn't live with myself if we end up losing one of these lads because they have nowhere to turn to. I'm not prepared to have that on my conscience.

"I made a promise to them that I would stay open no matter what, to help those who are struggling and have nowhere else to go.

"I'm not going to take £6,000 from the Government grants to sit at home whilst these lads are left to struggle by themselves.

"They could offer me £500,000 and I still would not close my business down. I'm staying open no matter what."

What do you think?

Steven's refusal to comply with restrictions appears to have divided public opinion.

Some are outraged at what they see as his wilful disregard for the law and public health guidance amid a pandemic, and others support his efforts to "save his business" and provide a "sanctuary" for gym goers with mental health issues.

Share your thoughts in our Facebook comments and let us know what you think about Steven's refusal to close Reps Gym and what action the authorities should take.

Share your thoughts in our Facebook comments and let us know what you think about Steven's refusal to close Reps Gym and what action the authorities should take.