It has emerged that police officers working for Gwent Police Officers have had access to three gyms that are based inside police stations for the duration of Wales’ alert level four lockdown. Strict lockdown measures have been in place since December as the Welsh Government were responding to spiralling coronavirus cases.
Under those national rules all leisure and fitness facilities have been forced to close to the public with tough penalties being handed out around the UK. However, staff and officers working for Gwent Police have had access to three gyms based at their main Cwmbran headquarters, Blackwood and Newport Central Police Station throughout this period.
Gwent Police have responded to these developments by stating that the decision was made as officers “must maintain a minimum level of fitness to continue to perform their duties”. A has said that the gyms are currently open to all staff members at Gwent Police. This includes office-based workers as well as community support officers.
Alex Bodin is the director of One Gym in Newport. He has said: “To be honest I’m not against it at all,” Alex said. I just think it quite literally adds strength to what we have been saying the whole time. If it’s important for them to maintain their fitness, it’s just as important for us and the wider community. I’m getting between five and 10 calls a week at the minute from members, full-grown men and women, saying how much of an impact this has had on their mental and physical health. It has really hit home to us what impact we have on their day to day lives”.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
[sibwp_form id=4]
