The Bannatyne Health Club in Crewe has been praised by inspectors who have carried out a Covid safety spot check.

The club, on Flour Mill Way, passed the risk assessment undertaken by officials from the Health and Safety Executive.

The inspectors highlighted the following areas for particular praise: ‘Full deep clean three times per day, including touchpoints, plus routine sanitation’; One-way systems and temperature checks on entry’; Common group risk assessment as a framework for local implementation’.

Duncan Bannatyne, chief executive and executive chairman of the group said: “We always have maintained high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in our clubs, but put even stricter regimes in place to combat Covid-19.

“During the pandemic, we have made and continue to make considerable investments in our clubs to ensure they are as safe as possible for members and staff.

“We are proud of our teams across the group, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of members during these unprecedent times.”

In the run-up to its clubs being allowed to reopen, the company undertook an extensive assessment of the Covid-19 infection risk to members and staff and made changes to its working practices to reduce the risk as far as practicable, while continuing to deliver first class, professional services.

The procedures adopted at Bannatyne Club have included include temperature checks on arrival, hand sanitising stations, enhanced cleaning procedures, and cashless transactions using contactless payment.

The HSE is visiting businesses unannounced to check they continue to work safely in the wake of Covid restrictions being relaxed.