Gym Forced to Close in Lidl Planning Dispute

Husband and wife gym bosses are looking for a new site to set up business after they were allegedly shut down to make way for a new Lidl store.

Steve and Abigail Rowland say they were forced to close Fitness First in Pershore Road, in the Stirchley area of Birmingham, because of the supermarket plans.

They were served a 45-day notice and kicked out after Lidl was told it could not get planning permission while viable leisure businesses were present on the site. Now the supermarket is seeking planning permission to bulldoze the buildings and erect a new store.

Councillor Barry Henley said: "I'm appalled by the approach and the crude tactics employed by this supermarket."

A statement from Lidl said:

"Our dedicated property team reviewed the suitability of a number of different locations before purchasing this particular site.

"Please be reassured that we only have the best intentions.

"It is our belief that we will make a positive and sustainable addition to the area, by providing investment and employment for years to come, along with a choice of high-quality products at the lowest prices, ensuring that the cost of our customers' supermarket shopping always stays low."

A decision on the proposals will be made at a later date.

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