One of Dundee’s longest running gyms may never re-open due to “red tape” in an insurance dispute.
Privately-run Ardler Gym has operated out of the Ardler Complex – owned by Dundee City Council – for over 30 years is now facing a dispute over insurance with the local authority.
The gym has been closed since the start of the pandemic and it is now feared it will be shut for good.
It comes after the committee were warned of a raft of changes which must be made to allow the gym to re-open safely.
Without them, the facility’s insurance will be void.
Bill Duthie, chairman of the Ardler Weights Committee, said they have been involved in “umpteen meetings” with the council regarding changes to allow the gym to reopen.
The stipulations by insurance provider Zurich include having a first aid trained employee within the weights area during opening times, which Bill says is unaffordable.
He questioned the need for this, as he believes there is always first aider in the wider Ardler Complex.
But the complex is run by a local management group, which is not insured to run a gym.
‘Mission Impossible’
The 79-year-old said: “It does feel like Mission Impossible to get this gym re-opened now.
“The red tape regarding a first aider being present at all times is a massive frustration – given it’s our understanding there is always a first aider within the complex.
“If people are playing five-a-side football in a gymnasium is a first aider watching the match?
“No other gym in the country is expected to adhere to these demands.
“Commercial gyms are operating 24-hours without staff present at certain times.”
Mr Duthie said the gym can’t afford to pay a first aider to be situated in the weights room for the duration of opening times.
He added: “I just don’t think it would be financially viable for the gym to have a first aider situated within the suite.
“I think the council knows that as well.
“What makes the situation even more frustrating is that we received a list of requirements to make this place ‘Covid compliant’.
“We did all that and passed with flying colours but now we’ve been met with another stumbling block.
“Given the current stand-off I find it very unlikely this gym will ever reopen again.”
The gym has produced body-building success stories including multi-title winning Brian Soutar and Alana Cruickshank.
‘Madness’
Bill said: “This gym has produced more body building champions than any gym other gym in Scotland.
“Folk came from Arbroath to use it and we currently boast over 150 members.
“Despite there being a first aider on site we are being told they want us to employ a separate first aider.
“We’ve got CCTV in operation which the first aider or person on the front desk has access to view the gym suite.
“We’ve got qualified personal trainers to give people inductions to use the equipment safely.
“The current situation just feels like madness.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman refused to confirm if there is a first aid-trained employee on site during the complex opening hours, saying only: “We have been supporting the group with the matter.”
