Trading standards tells Eastbourne attraction to close

The Ninja Warrior indoor assault course in The Beacon reopened on Monday April 12 after some lockdown restrictions were lifted – despite all its other branches remaining closed and government guidelines saying indoor adult group sports and classes, softplay centres and play barns are all to remain closed until May 17.

However, it closed again on Tuesday April 20 after being told by Esast Sussex County Council’s trading standards department.

Ahead of reopening on April 12 – when non-essential shops, hair and beauty salons and gyms were able to open their doors to the public, a spokesperson at The Beacon said, “Ninja Warrior UK Eastbourne will reopen on April 12 following local authority inspection and approval, and permission to open.

“Covid protocols remain in place, such as restricted capacity, no spectators, social distancing and time between and after sessions for extensive cleaning.”

At the time a spokesperson for Eastbourne council said, “As Ninja Warrior UK Eastbourne is classed as a fitness centre, it has been able to open from April 12 with control measures in place and has been inspected by council officers.” But this week Nicholas Haycock, the general manager of Ninja Warrior in Eastbourne, said “The local authority changed the rules on us being open.”

An Eastbourne council spokesperson said, “We fully endorse the decision taken by trading standards.

“The reopening of businesses relies on government guidance not legislation, so in some circumstances it does come down to individual interpretation and opinion.

“Support for local business is a fundamental priority for the council and we’ll continue to work with businesses that are closed to get them fully open as soon as possible.”

An East Sussex County Council spokesman, which represents trading standards, said, “As part of the road map out of lockdown, central government has set out legislation determining at what point different types of businesses can reopen. This is to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as restrictions are lifted and, while we are keen to see businesses reopen and begin to recover, it is important that we all do everything we can to keep people safe.

“We continue to help and support East Sussex businesses to interpret the legislation and guidance set by Government, working with our colleagues in the district and borough councils.”

Ninja Warrior is now expected to reopen on May 17.