Chichester mayor says charging fitness instructors to run classes in public parks 'seems unfair' - District council offers explanation

Those who hold exercise classes were last week warned by Chichester District Council that they must carry an official license, which costs £40 per month for one to one sessions only, or £80 per month for one to one and group sessions.

It followed an increase in outdoor exercise classes taking place in parks and green spaces, whilst gyms and indoor venues remain closed during the pandemic. Read more hereRichard Plowman, Mayor of Chichester and chairman of the Priory Park Society, said the decision would likely increase the financial strain on fitness instructors and personal trainers, many of whom have been unable to make money whilst gyms have been closed.

He said: “I will look into this as it seems unfair particularly when there are no indoor alternatives for fitness instructors due to the pandemic. The city council manage Brewery Fields at the back of Orchard street and I will check if you can use that.”

Dozens of Observer readers reacted badly to the district council’s rules.

Commenting on our Facebook page, Lauren Attree said it was ‘cruel’ and ‘despicable’, adding: “Their income has been removed from them and the council expect them to pay out money! They should be supporting them keeping people active not punishing them financially when life is already tough.”

Personal trainer Kim Hopkins said outdoor fitness is ‘amazing for the mind’ and should be encouraged.

Fitness instructor Suzanne Hill Idta wrote: “We have stood back and watch[ed] our businesses fall apart and have accepted this is how it has to be for the safety of everyone in our community. How about a bit of support from the council.”

Suzanne Swain argued that the council should instead be issuing grants to help dance teachers and fitness instructors 'spread a little joy and promote physical and mental health'.

She added: "So many people are struggling during this crisis - emotionally, financially, physically and with practical stuff.

"Instructors can only charge a token amount as people have little money and when you are limited to five in a group. You certainly cant afford these ridiculous fees."

Karen Baker agreed. She said: "Fitness instructors normally earn a pittance and make up their income from private personal trainer, so give them a break.

"Let them earn something whilst the gyms are closed. What harm are they doing? Clients who are exercising with them are doing so at their own risk."

John Turbefield said it would 'seem appropriate' for the council to 'cut these requirements for the time being' until gyms can reopen.

He added: "Stopping people from getting exercise while supporting self-employed instructors right now seems very counterproductive."

However, Helen Rothwell, a group exercise instructor currently using Priory Park, said she was in favour of the council checking that instructors are both insured and registered.

"I don't think it's unreasonable for CDC to ask for a small monthly contribution from the businesses for using the public spaces," she said.

"However I think it should be based on a percentage of what the PT/group instructor earns per session not a flat rate. This would make the cost doable for all, whether they want to run one session or 10."

Responding to the concerns, the district council said the license system is to ‘ensure the safety of local people and visitors’.

A spokesperson added: “We license businesses to operate in our parks to ensure the safety of local people and visitors who use these spaces. Through the licensing process, we can check that the instructor has the necessary qualifications and insurance.

“We offer licences on a monthly basis, which means that businesses have more flexibility and aren’t tied to paying for a licence when they are not running their sessions.

“We actively encourage the use of our parks for people to keep fit and healthy, and to relax and enjoy. It’s really important that everyone can access outdoor areas, particularly at the moment, and the licensing process means that everyone has safe access to the parks while fitness classes and training sessions are taking place.”

Fitness instructors and personal trainers can apply for a licence to hold sessions with a maximum of five attendees at; Oaklands Park; New Park Road; Sherborne Road; Whyke Oval; Priory Park; Florence Park, and The Amphitheatre Park.

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