Person hid in toilets as open Oldham gym was raided

A person hid in the toilets at an Oldham gym when it was raided by police after it continued to open during lockdown.

Officers visited the gym, which has not been identified, on Friday (12 February) after receiving reports it was still being used by members and thus breaking current lockdown rules. 

Despite identifying themselves, police couldn't gain access to the property so forced their way in. 

They found two people inside, including one who was hiding in the toilets.

They have both been issued with £200 fines by Greater Manchester Police 

The gym owner has been issued with a £1,000 fine and the owner of the property has also received a fine from Oldham Council, after breaching coronavirus restrictions. 

The council say the gym being open was 'a clear breach of lockdown restrictions' that potentially 'put people at risk of coronavirus'.

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.”

People can contact the council's Environmental Health Team by emailing ENVhealth@oldham.gov.uk. 

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