Downs Changes to be made to licence fee plan for fitness classes

CHANGES will be made to the proposed new licence fees for personal trainers on the Downs amid fears they could force small businesses to close.

- Alex SEABROOK Local democracy reporter

Personal trainers will be able to get cover for their classes when they go on holiday or are off sick, which previously wasn't possible.

Late last year when the licences were being considered, the original plan was to get individual operators to apply for a licence which would not be transferable. This led to concerns that trainers would not be able to get cover during sickness or holidays, badly harming their income. An update on the proposed licences will be discussed by the Downs committee on Monday. The committee is made up of councillors from Bristol City Council as well as members of the Society of Merchant Venturers, a historic business group.