Bedford Council reminds fitness instructors to register before using parks

With gyms closed and groups of up to six allowed to meet, there is an increasing number of personal trainers, fitness instructors and coaches using the town's parks and open spaces and the council is reminding people running these sessions that they must register, for the safety of coaches, participants and the public.

Anyone who is already registered with the council to run training session in the parks will need to submit a COVID-19 risk assessment explaining how social distancing will be maintained, to ensure that everyone is safe.

If anyone is looking to start up outside classes in the parks for the first time, they will need to register with the council and also fill out a risk assessment.

Any classes or sessions must meet with the government guidance, with no more than six people (including the trainer) permitted to take part and everyone must be 2m away from people not in their household.

Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “I know that our parks have been a real lifeline for local people, and as lockdown starts to ease we have seen more people start to gather, and more and more training sessions taking place.

“We want to support businesses to get back to work and help local people keep fit.

"This registration process and risk assessment is in place to ensure the safety of everyone in these unusual and unprecedented times.

"If you are running a training session in a park or open space and have not registered, or are not abiding by government guidelines you may be asked to leave.”

To find out more and register, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/events. to submit a risk assessment, or if you have any questions, email: [email protected]