Owner of Reps Gym in Preston arrested for breaching closure order as 10 people fined

Officers were called to Reps Gym in Ribbleton following reports people were using the facilities yesterday evening (March 10).

Ten people were found inside and hit with £200 fines for breaching lockdown regulations.

Owner Steven Todd, 56, was also arrested on suspicion of breaching a closure order this morning (March 11) and is currently in custody.

Chief Insp Sue Bushell, from Preston Police, said: “As the restrictions are easing we are keen to remind people that we need to continue to act in accordance with the regulations as they stand and we will continue to take robust action on any individuals who are not adhering to them.

“We must stress that while we are continuing to spend most of our time dealing with crime and keeping people safe, breaches of Covid regulations take us away from that.

"We continue to be immensely grateful to those who are following the law and are doing their bit to keep everybody safe.”

The gym, on Roman Way Industrial Estate, was ordered to close for three months by Preston Magistrates' Court back in February following an application by Preston City Council.

Copies of the closure order were displayed on all the doors, making any attempt to access the building illegal.

Todd, who has consistently resisted attempts to close his business, was also hit with a bill for costs of more than £9,000.

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