20/11/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JwqcsfUgN/
SAVE OUR BOOTCAMPS!!
Many of you would have heard about the proposals towards Bootcamps and personal trainers who use the Clifton Downs. Bristol City Council and the Downs Committee want to charge outdoor fitness providers to use the Downs. As an outdoor fitness provider, I do not have a problem with that. However!!!
The proposals that are currently in place are completely unreasonable to the point of unworkable.
Clifton Bootcamp and all other providers feel that the proposals have been put in place to get rid of us.
Current proposals
• 1 : 20 participants - £900 per year per instructor
• 21 - 49 participants - £2600 per year and you need two instructors
• The licence is per individual not per business as is around the country. Why is Bristol so different?
• We are being moved to the perimeter of the Downs and we can only use certain areas which are not fit for purpose.
The council state that Bootcamps are destroying the Downs and that the music is creating noise pollution.
At Clifton Bootcamp we use different areas of the Downs to reduce any damage, not that there is any. We also do not and never will play music.
Bristol city council, if the music is an issue, why are you placing Bootcamps next to houses?
Is it so that the home owners complain and that gives you grounds to provoke the licence?
Currently my bootcamp and the few others that I'm aware of train well away from houses. None of your proposals make sense aside from the fact it's a get rid tactic.
As a veteran with PTSD I rely heavily on my team of instructors to help cover sessions when I am poorly or need a break. With the current licence fee proposal and the fact that every instructor needs a license, my support network will be gone as my team only teach on the Downs for myself and no other time.
Is it all about ££££
My bootcamp offers a monthly membership. The average client pays around £3.50 a class and not the £12 per person that you mentioned in your email. Your figures and facts are completely wrong and us bootcamp owners feel that you have not asked the relevant questions to create a sensible proposal.
I can go on and on about safety but it's all about ££££
Safety!
You can pay the council, have the following to be seen as safe to the public :
• Public liability insurance
• Risk assessments
• First aid certificate
You can also not charge for a class and be deemed safe to the public without the following:
• No fitness qualifications
• No public liability insurance
• No risk assessments
• No first aid certificate
So! Is it about safety or is all about money?
We urge all bootcamp members to write to your MP and the Downs Committee to rethink their proposals.
