ILKLEY’S MP is calling for gyms and fitness studios to be allowed to open after December 2.

Robbie Moore told the House of Commons the businesses had proved to be “some of the safest places to visit” and were vital for mental health as well as fitness.

The Keighley and Ilkley MP said businesses in his constituency were keen to open up again. Focussing on three sectors in particular, he argued that gyms and fitness studios, outdoor sporting venues and hair and beauty businesses were all ready to open up in a Covid secure manner.

The government is currently generating an exit strategy for the current national lockdown and a number of MPs have made clear their feeling that some sectors in particular have made sufficient preparations to operate safely.

Whatever proposal is reached will require the support of parliament, which is why MPs continue to debate the measures.

Mr Moore argued that although the government had done ‘a fantastic job’ supporting businesses during the crisis, ‘grants and financial support can be no substitute for our businesses being open.’

He said: “As a result of the enhanced local restrictions put in place in my constituency at the end of July, gyms and fitness and dance studios did not open at the start of September—indeed they were among the last to open in the UK. However, they have proved to be some of the safest places to visit.

“Therefore, beyond 2 December we must get our gyms and dance studios open across the country, because they are vital to improving people’s mental health as well as their fitness.

“That brings me to outdoor sports, which, from children playing football to a couple playing a round of golf, are absolutely beneficial to mental health and improving fitness. I urge the Minister to ensure that golf clubs can get back open.

He said: “Finally, I turn to non-essential retail and services such as the hair and beauty sector who have also been asked to close.

“My constituency is home to a wealth of independent shops, which are the backbone of the local economy. We must give those businesses the opportunity to open again, because they have spent so much money on becoming covid-secure.”

Mr Moore told parliament it was vital that decisions were taken on the basis of risk and past evidence of risk, not on pre-conceived ideas.