Person hid in toilets as open gym was raided

A joint raid involving Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police found that a gym continued to open during lockdown.

On Friday (February 12) officers visited the unnamed property in Oldham after receiving reports it was still be used by members - a clear breach of lockdown restrictions and potentially putting people at risk of coronavirus.

The officers, despite identifying themselves, could not get access to the gym so entry was forced.

Inside two people were discovered – one was found to be hiding in the toilets.

The gym owner has been issued with a fine of £1,000 by the council after breaching coronavirus restrictions.

The two people inside have been issued with fines of £200 by GMP.

The owner of the property has been issued with a fine after breaching coronavirus restrictions.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for COVID-19 Response, said: “We know lockdown has been hard for businesses.

“We don’t want to see any business shut, but the vast majority of those which have had to close have stuck to the rules and we’re thankful for that.

“People may say there were only two people inside but the government’s rules state that indoor gyms must close.

"The rules are in place to protect people and cannot be ignored.

“Irresponsible behaviour like this affects us all – it can add to the high infection rate which could stop us moving out of the strict measures currently in place.

“We’ve received reports of other gyms opening and we will be looking into those and will take action if necessary.

“If you see safety breaches report them to us as no one should be put at risk.”

To contact Oldham Council's Environmental Health Team, email: ENVhealth@oldham.gov.uk

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