Gym Boss Ordered To Close For Second Time During National Lockdown

A gym owner has been ordered to close his business again after keeping his doors open during a national lockdown.

Kevin Harper, of Majestic Gym, Wigan, was handed a notice at the end of last week and ordered to keep his gym closed for the foreseeable future.

This is the second time Mr Harper has flouted the restrictions put in place by the UK government, having refused to close his business back in November last year.

With regards to his most recent breach, Wigan Council said it was 'vital we all continue to do our bit'.

The statement read: "A direction to close was issued to the owner of Majestic Gym in Pemberton at the end of last week after it stayed open during the latest lockdown.

Facebook

"While restrictions remain in place it's vital we all continue to do our bit so we can lower infection rates, protect the NHS and ultimately save lives.

"We continue to monitor and follow up any reports of businesses open."

Speaking last year about his first breach of the lockdown rules, Mr Harper said he was 'standing up for what I believe is right'.

He said: "The Government really needs to think about the position on this.

"I don't have a criminal record, I'm not known to the police, I've never been in trouble with the law, and I'm being criminalised for doing what I think is standing up for what I believe is right, and also protecting the rights of my members, who are paying members, to come and exercise."

This is not the first instance of a gym owner continuing to trade despite current rules meaning that all non-essential businesses must close their doors.

PA

Steven Todd, owner of Reps Gym in Preston, Lancashire, was visited by officers at 12.30pm on 29 January.

Mr Todd has been vocal in his criticism of the restrictions, claiming his business was a "sanctuary" for people struggling with isolation and loneliness during the pandemic.

Four officers entered his gym yesterday to speak to Todd about his non-compliance with coronavirus restrictions.

Having now been visited on 11 occasions, Todd has been issued with thousands of pounds' worth of fines since lockdown began.

When asked why he was still open despite repeated orders to close, he said: "We've been through this before lads. I am happy for you to keep visiting and I understand you are just doing your job.

"You lot do a cracking job, but I know the law."

LADbible has reached out to Mr Harper for a comment.

Topics: Police, covid, SPORT, UK News, council, lockdown, Coronavirus, Health, Covid-19

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

@SmithersDom