LIVERPOOL City Council has issued its first Closure Notice since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Yesterday, following a hearing at Sefton Magistrates Court, an order was made against Prophecy Performance Centre gym on Gaskill Road, Speke, following an application made by the council. The gym must remain closed to members of the public for seven weeks (until 00.01am on 12 April 2021).
Anyone found to be breaking the order, made under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, can expect a prison sentence up to six months, or a fine, or both.
The application was made by the council following attendance by Merseyside Police on Sunday 7 February 2021 after complaints were made by members of the public to the police. Nine complaints were also made to the council.
Gym owner Nathan de Asha, who was also ordered to pay the council £2,500 in costs, is allowed to continue his own personal training in the gym and his girlfriend Chantelle Cummins may enter the building to attend to business admin.
Building contractors and legal representatives may also enter the building subject to 24-hours notice being given to the council’s environmental health team.
Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for licensing and public protection Cllr Sharon Connor, said: “During this pandemic we have seen businesses across Liverpool go above and beyond to ensure they are abiding by the regulations in force to keep themselves, their customers and the city safe.
“We will use the full force of the law against any business flouting these rules which then put people’s health and safety in danger.
“If we all stick to the guidelines, the quicker we can return to normality and we hope this ruling sends a clear message that we will take action and do everything we can to stop the small minority acting irresponsibly.”
