A Trafford gym holding exercise classes has been closed and fined after breaching lockdown

A Trafford gym has been fined and forced to close after being found running a fitness class during the current national lockdown.

Following a number of complaints from members of the public, Greater Manchester Police officers visited ACE Conditioning Manchester – on the Harp Trading Estate in Trafford Park – and found there to be 12 people and the business owner taking part in a group exercise session.

Officers then spoke to people taking part in the class to remind them about the rules for gyms and fitness classes that are in place to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The owner of the gym was also subsequently fined £1,000 for continuing to operate.

But according to Trafford Council, the owner of the gym had already been issued a warning about breaking restrictions prior to this incident, and formal action is now being taken to ensure that the business remains closed until permitted to reopen.

Enforcement officers will continue to monitor the gym and other businesses reported to be operating illegally.

And Trafford Council has insisted it is working with businesses across the borough to assist them in trading within the current restrictions.

“The council’s enforcement team had worked hard to engage with the gym owner to explain the public health risks of continuing to trade,” revealed Councillor Mike Freeman – Trafford Council’s Executive Member for COVID-19 Recovery and Reform.

“But after this latest breach, we were left with no option but to take action.

“We do appreciate how tough things are in the current climate for some businesses and this is just the second business fine the council has issued since the start of the pandemic, but on this occasion it was necessary [as] the new variant of COVID-19 spreads quickly indoors, and it’s essential that this type of activity is stopped to keep infection numbers under control”.

He continued: “We also understand people’s need to exercise, and the clear benefits this brings for both physical and mental health during this difficult time [which is why] Trafford’s parks and green spaces remain open.

“We would encourage residents to make use of them to get outside once a day to keep fit and enjoy some fresh air”.

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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.

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