"Two Sides To Every Story" - Ryde Gym Responds After Fine For Coronavirus Breach

Thursday, 14 January 2021 18:13

By Oliver Dyer @olidyer

The Isle of Wight Council has revealed the name of a Ryde gym fined for breaching coronavirus rules.

However, its owners say "there are two sides to the story" - and have refuted claims they are allowing the public to use the gym.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, Ryde's Evolution Gym - and two of its "customers" - have been issued with fixed penalty notices, totalling £2,400.

It comes following a joint investigation by police and the Isle of Wight Council.

Police say they attended the gym on Sunday (10), following reports customers were still using the premises in breach of the current health protection regulations.

Upon arrival, officers encountered two people exercising inside. Both were reported for summons to be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £200 each.

The information was shared with the council and officers have subsequently served fixed penalty notices on the owners of the business, which for a first offence are £1,000 each.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson said:

“The guidelines around indoor sports facilities are clear and it is disappointing that this gym continued to operate, potentially putting others at risk.

“The local authority leads on business breaches of the regulations and have taken action against the owners of this premises.

“We hope this sends out a message to other businesses that breaching the regulations will be dealt with robustly to keep everyone safe and prevent the spread of this deadly virus.”

Evolution Gym, which is based on the High Street, has responded to the fine.

It says it "wrongly thought" it could allow two people - who had been working there voluntarily all day - to use the facility.

A statement from the gym reads:

"Remember there are two sides to every story.....Recently we were fined by IW council for ‘breaching lockdown rules’.

"To provide context, there were two males present in the gym at the time, both of which suffer with health issues and have been affected more than most during the pandemic as they are unable to exercise outside.

"They were working, on a voluntary basis, helping to get the gym ready for re-opening, and to thank them, we allowed them train afterwards. Unfortunately, it was at this time that the police let themselves into our premises, via a back entrance and fire escape that was left open to provide ventilation for our workers.

"We are not actively open or allowing the public to use the gym, this was a one off. We wrongly thought that as there were two people who had been working together all day, remaining a little longer to use the facility wouldn’t be an issue.

"Obviously, we were wrong and do not in any way condone breaching lockdown rules. We apologise and can assure you we are closed until such a time as we are told it is safe to re-open and welcome you all back."

The council says it has been working alongside the police to deal with compliance of both individuals and businesses.

Councillor Gary Peace, Cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said:

"We recognise it is a difficult time for businesses and the public alike.

"The recent restrictions are required to limit social contact to reduce the transmission of the virus. We are pleased to report that the vast majority of people and businesses continue to follow the guidance and do their part to reduce the infection rate.

"The guidelines around indoor sports facilities are clear and it is disappointing that the gym continues to put everyone at risk.

"The Island cases have now exceeded 1,000 per 100,000 and those found to be breaching the rules, as with this instance, should expect necessary enforcement action to be taken against them."

If business owners are unsure of the requirements, require advice on being Covid-secure, or if the public are aware of any premises that are trading outside the restrictions, then please contact the council on covidregs@iow.gov.uk