The man who claims he organised the anti-lockdown protests in Manchester city centre this weekend has been ordered by the council to shut his gym today, but he said it was already closed.

Personal trainer Paul Boys, 40, was ordered by environmental health officers from Trafford council to close his Next Level gym inside Atlantic Fitness on Blue Chip Business Park, Broadheath, Altrincham after members of the public complained about it still being open.

The officers, along with representatives from Greater Manchester Police, attended the gym today (Tuesday November 10) and issued owner Paul Boys with a prohibition notice to close for continuing to trade following the new restrictions introduced on November 5.

The new national lockdown rules require all gyms to close until December 2.

But Mr Boys claimed the gym was already closed when council officers and police attended today.

He claimed: “It’s closed. The police and the council’s environmental health [sic], they turned up today and bore witness to the fact that it’s already closed.

“They turned up, I showed them around, they said they were satisfied it wasn’t open and they went on their way.

“I don’t know why they’ve sent that, they said they were satisfied that it was closed. It’s very weird, I’m not sure why they’ve done that.”

Mr Boys said he filmed the conversation he had with officials today and that he has not yet received a copy of the order as he hasn’t been at the gym for the rest of the day.

Mr Boys appeared in a Youtube video this week claiming to have organised the anti-lockdown protests that took place in Manchester city centre this weekend and were attended by hundreds of people.

Speaking to the MEN this week, Mr Boys said: “I said to the police, anything that happens – arrested [sic], fines – I will accept responsibility as organiser.

“I told the police I would tell everyone that’s turned up… that the rally has been cancelled… therefore it’s over and people can do as they wish.

“I expressed to everybody that I am going for a walk, which is within my legal rights, to be able to go for a walk, on my own.

“If anyone decides to follow me, that’s their own decision. So we went for a walk.”

GMP confirmed to the MEN that the 40-year-old from Trafford had been fined £10,000.

Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Mabs Hussain, said: “Ahead of Sunday, officers attempted to engage with the person organising this gathering – warning him of the likely consequences and advising, for his and everyone else’s sake, to abandon his plans.

“However, he decided to ignore this advice and pressed ahead with a reckless and completely irresponsible course of action. He has been left with a significant financial penalty as a result.”

Coun Mike Freeman, Trafford council’s executive member for public safety, said: “This gym has clearly broken all the rules by staying open and this is not acceptable. We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour from any business which fails to follow the rules and puts people’s heath at risk. If you are open against the rules, we will close you down it is as simple as that.

“Trafford council has made it a priority to keep people as safe as possible in our borough. These are difficult times, but the rules must be followed to ensure that the virus does not spread.”

Trafford council said it will impose sanctions and possible fines on any business which stays open and refuses to follow the rules.

As part of the government’s rules, exercise is permitted on a one to one basis in any outdoor public space.