A SOUTHAMPTON gym boss is due in court for refusing to close in light of covid restrictions.
Josh Gosling is due to appear at court for opening Spartans Gym during the second coronavirus lockdown.
He has been charged with two counts of failing to comply with reasonable instruction given by a relevant person in England.
Gosling of Tickner Close in Botley is said to have without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with a reasonable instruction given by Southampton City Council.
He is alleged to have remained open and continued the business of his indoor gym located on Millbank Street in the Northam part of the city.
The charges relate to incidents on November 7 and November 8.
It comes as the country enters a second national lockdown aimed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The new measures see non-essential retail and hospitality venues closed once again.
Indoor mixing has been banned and people have been ordered to avoid non-essential travel both within the UK and abroad.
Gyms are one of a vast number of industries forced to shut down until December.
However, some fitness fanatics have remained defiant and are taking a stand.
More than 30 police officers are said to have been sent to shut down a London gym earlier in the week.
The owner of Zone Gym in Wood Green, North London now risks being slapped with a £10,000 fine after reopening.
The recent restrictions cover swimming pools, golf courses as well as dance studios.
On December 2, the national lockdown is expected to ease and a three-tier system will return depending on the level of infection in the local area.
A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "We were called to Spartan gym on Millbank Street in Southampton shortly after 10:20am on Thursday 5 November after concerns were raised that the gym was not observing Government legislation relating to the new national restrictions that came into effect earlier in the day.
"Officers explained the legislation to those present and encouraged them to leave, which they did.
"We are now undertaking work with our partners at Southampton City Council to ensure that the legislation is observed and will carry out enforcement action if necessary."
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