Gym owner will not bow to threats

Gym owner will not bow to threats

6 May 2015

THE owner of a Downpatrick fitness gym has vowed he will not be intimidated out of the town.

Robert Campbell has been informed by police a threat has been issued to “burn his business to the ground” but he is adamant he is staying put, making it clear he will not be intimidated by anyone.

The owner of Rockpit Fitness said he has invested heavily in the latest 

equipment at his Cloonagh Road business, is providing employment for local people and insists he is going nowhere.

The businessman purchased the premises in February and officially opened last month but on Wednesday of last week he was visited by police and informed a threat had been issued against the gym.

“We are here to help the community and bring people into the gym. We employ two personal trainers who live locally and pay our rates like everyone else. We have also been operating in Lisburn for the past 15 years and I plan to be in Downpatrick for the same amount of time and more,” the businessman declared.

“This threat came out of the blue and I am more concerned for my staff and the business than I am for myself. Competition in business is good and if people can’t take that they have a problem. If a gym opens up across the road from me what can I do about it? That’s the reality of the world we live in.”

Mr Campbell said when he launched his business in Lisburn there were three other gyms, now there are 15 of them, explaining this was something he responded to and something that never became an issue.

Despite the threat which has been issued, Mr Campbell insists that it’s business as usual for him in Downpatrick and he will not bow down to anyone.

He continued: “I have no fear about the threat which has been issued. I have taken additional precautions in the wake of the threat and will continue to provide a service to my clients. I run a family business and have invested heavily to provide ultra-modern facilities.

“I have spoken to some local people about the threat and they are appalled. I am delighted to have the support of the local community and am more than pleased with how things are going.”

Mr Campbell added: “I have invested a lot of time, money and energy into this venture and I will not bow down to any threats. We are here and here to stay.”

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairwoman, Naomi Bailie, has condemned those responsible for issuing the threat and said local people will also be disappointed at what has happened.

“Downpatrick is full of decent people and they will vilify whoever is responsible for this type of intimidation. I have no doubt when people learn about what has happened they will be extra vigilant if they spot anything suspicious in the vicinity of this business,” she continued.

“I am sure neighbouring businesses in the Cloonagh Road area will also keep an eye out. The good people of Downpatrick do not want this kind of activity with threats issued against business owners.”

Councillor Bailie said while the new super council is working to attract business investment in the area and enhance existing services, “distasteful things” like this are happening. She said Mr. Campbell is meeting a need and the number of people using his gym illustrate this.

The council chairwoman added: “I know •he threat which has been issued will be roundly condemned by all right-thinking people.”

A PSNI spokeswoman said it does not comment on threats, but confirmed if it becomes aware that an individual or organisation may need to review their security, steps are taken to inform them immediately. She added: “We would never ignore anything that would put any person at risk.”