Hartlepool gym ordered to close for three months but owner Eddy Ellwood hits out at 'draconian' lockdown rules

A Hartlepool gym has been ordered to close for three months after breaking lockdown rules.
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Xtreme Fitness on the Longhill Industrial Estate, owned by former Mr Universe and England’s Strongest Man title holder Edmund ‘Eddy’ Ellwood, had allowed people to exercise despite all gyms in England having to close until further notice.

A Closure Order was granted by District Judge Timothy Capstick at Teesside Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 11.

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Xtreme Fitness Gym, on the Vue Business Park, Hartlepool.Xtreme Fitness Gym, on the Vue Business Park, Hartlepool.
Xtreme Fitness Gym, on the Vue Business Park, Hartlepool.

Mr Ellwood did not oppose the Closure Order but outside of court spoke about ‘draconian’ rules on gyms and how they provide an important service for people, especially those with mental health issues, during hard times.

The order means Xtreme Fitness must stay closed until 4pm on Monday, May 10, subject to gyms being allowed to reopen by then.

Hartlepool Borough Council said Mr Ellwood refused to comply with the rules despite being advised on a number of occasions.

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Speaking outside court he said: “The whole reason for today was to show our objection to the draconian rules being imposed for myself and others who are defending the vulnerable, those with mental illness, those who see the gym as their escape and relief for their every day struggles and anxieties and negative impulses.

Gym owner Eddy Ellwood.Gym owner Eddy Ellwood.
Gym owner Eddy Ellwood.

"The gym is their social worker, the gym is their mental health nurse and the gym is their comfort blanket in a time of darkness.

"And we were just there to help those in the darkness.”

District Judge Capstick warned Mr Ellwood he could be jailed if he breaches the order, but said: “I have no reason to think you won’t comply with it."

He will still be allowed access to the gym including to go in to maintain equipment and must also allow access to the local authority if it wishes.

Xtreme Fitness owner Eddy Ellwood pulling a bus during his strongman days.Xtreme Fitness owner Eddy Ellwood pulling a bus during his strongman days.
Xtreme Fitness owner Eddy Ellwood pulling a bus during his strongman days.
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Prior to the magistrates hearing Inspector Tony Cross, from Cleveland Police, said: "We’re sympathetic to the current situation of business owners and the challenges that they face, but the rules are clear, and gyms have been ordered to close under the current coronavirus legislation.”

Mr Ellwood clinched the Mr Universe title five times between 1997-2001 and was England’s Strongest Man winner on three occasions between 2003-05.

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