Covid-19 restrictions: Wakefield gym owner vows to stay open

Joe Davies (Right), one of the gym's co-owners said the opening was not motivated by money

The owners of a gym say they will defy new lockdown regulations and remain open.

Joe Davies, co-owner of A-Star Fitness and Muscle, in Wakefield, says it will protect the mental health of its members.

Under the new rules, effective from Thursday, Gyms are among businesses being ordered to close.

West Yorkshire Police said rule-breakers "should expect to face enforcement and prosecution".

Ministers have said staying at home is the "single most important action" people can take amid a rapid rise in coronavirus cases.

The new tougher national measures are due to last until 2 December, and those who ignore the restrictions can face fines of up to £10,000.

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Mr Davies said opening was not motivated by money as the business would not be taking on any new members and would allow existing gym-goers to freeze their memberships if they chose to.

"We are expecting some sort of fines to come our way which we are willing to take for our members," he said.

"I don't think it is a risky thing to do with regard to our members' health, both physical and mental", the co-owner said.

'Sensible and proportionate'

The gym could "easily make it through" if it closed but that was not the option it would take, added Mr Davies.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Kingsman said West Yorkshire Police would "ensure people are following the revised regulations".

"We will engage with the public in a sensible, proportionate and fair way, to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the regulations and do the right thing," he said.

"Those who do not engage and knowingly break the rules and endanger lives should expect to face enforcement and prosecution".

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