Affluent seaside town bans fitness boot camps after 'total idiots' jumped on and off memorial benches during workouts

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Council bosses in an affluent seaside town have banned fitness boot camps after 'total idiots' ran riot and caused damage during workouts. 

Fitness fanatics have been jumping on and off memorial benches in Leigh, Essex and organised boot camps without a licence at Marine Parade Gardens.

It is thought that personal trainers and their clients have become accustomed to doing high-intensity workouts outside as a result of Covid gym closures. 

Southend Council was prompted into action amid complaints from locals that the personal trainers and their clients could destroy the park.

A huge sign has been erected in Marine Parade Gardens by council chiefs and outdoor boot camps have been banned with immediate effect. 

A huge sign has been erected in Marine Parade Gardens by Southend Council and outdoor boot camps have been banned with immediate effect

Fitness fanatics have been jumping on and off memorial benches in Leigh, Essex and organised boot camps without a licence at Marine Parade Gardens

The council also received complaints about nuisance fat-burners jogging up and down stairs in the town, where houses sell for around £380,000.

The ban has been welcomed by Angus Browne, director of Brownes Bootcamp, who says unlicensed firms give the industry a bad name.

Mr Browne, 31, said: 'We keep seeing total idiots using the space with no permit at all when our company gets slated and abused on social media for causing the problems and noise when we actually have a permit at the field on Belton Way West.

'We don't even use that area, but rather personal trainers and groups who haven't been able to use the gym because of Covid that do.

He added: 'I've done outside training for 14 years, so it is upsetting to see. 

'Imagine you have bought a bench in memory of your family or loved one for runners to be climbing all over it.'  

Southend Council was prompted into action amid complaints from locals that the personal trainers and their clients could destroy the park

Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: 'We're unfortunately seeing large organised groups and clubs who need a licence to use our public open spaces in this way, which are causing disturbance, damage and issues for other park users.

'We're aware of groups jumping on and off donated benches as part of exercise routines, cars parking illegally on the green spaces and trees and benches being used to tie equipment to which is causing damage.'

Southend Council has confirmed there are no signs in place for the cliff lift steps just yet, but that it will consider it.

Councillor Mulroney added: 'We've also received a number of complaints from people who are experiencing issues with using the steps to access Leigh station and old Leigh due to the use by organised groups.

'At times, the volume of people running up and down them is stopping others from being able to use the steps.

'The signage isn't intended to stop individuals using the steps for exercise, we're trying to ensure they are accessible for all.'