'Invaluable' Boot camp fans slam plans to charge park instructors

BOOT-CAMP class attendees are opposing “unfair” new licence fees for personal trainers on the Downs which they say threaten the survival of independent businesses.

- Alex SEABROOK Local democracy reporter

People take part in outdoor dance exercise class on The Downs

(Ben Birchall/PA)

Personal trainers could soon be charged £900 a year for classes up to 20 people and £2,600 for groups larger than 20.

The licence fees are planned after concerns about the large size of some boot camp classes and loud music played. It is unclear when they would be brought in, but a group of Bristol councillors and Merchant Venturers who are responsible for the Downs want to limit exercise classes.

The Downs committee was due to discuss the potential new fees on Monday. However the Downs manager, Luke Mackenzie, did not attend the committee meeting and so the fees will be discussed at the next - in January.

Ahead of the meeting, several exercise class attendees sent in written statements on the fees.