"We'll take as many fines as we can": Wakefield gym owners refusing to close during new lockdown

Defiant gym owners in Wakefield have vowed to stay open during the new lockdown, saying they would 'take as many fines as they can'.
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Under the new lockdown rules starting tomorrow, all 'non-essential' businesses are being told to shut, including gyms, but A-Star Muscle and Fitness is refusing to close its doors.

For businesses who do refuse, they could face tough financial penalties.

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Owners of the Thornes Lane gym, Keith Brook and Joe Davies, have posted a video on Facebook to explain their stance, which has been viewed and shared hundreds of times.

Keith Brook (left) and Joe Davies are adamant they will not shut.Keith Brook (left) and Joe Davies are adamant they will not shut.
Keith Brook (left) and Joe Davies are adamant they will not shut.

They are adamant that their stance is not financially motivated, and more to do with fitness and mental health.

Keith said: "Me and Joe have had a long chat, and we've decided to keep our doors open.

"We understand there's going to be fines, and we understand there's going to be consequences, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

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"We massively believe we are part of the solution and not part of the problem in the fight against Covid-19.

"We have made our mind up."

Joe added: "This is not for financial reasons, as a gym, we would make it through this month.

"We believe what we are doing is right.

"We don't know what the repercussions will be, but we're going to find out.

"If we have to close our doors at 6.05am tomorrow, then at least we have done something.

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"We will keep the doors open as long as we can, and take as many fines as we can.

"If there was data out there that says we are part of the problem, then we would not be doing that.

"We genuinely believe, in our heart of hearts, that we are part of the solution."

Members are being told that if they want to freeze their membership, they can, but no new members or day passes will be accepted.

To limit numbers, they have said people will be asked to wait in their vehicles until other users have left.