COUNCIL PLEDGES CRACKDOWN ON TRADERS WHO FLOUT PANDEMIC GUIDELINES

                                            

Talking tough - Cllr Ron Shepherd

A CRACKDOWN is in prospect for North East Lincolnshire shops businesses that fail to comply with Government guidelines.

Says council cabinet member Cllr Ron Shepherd: "We will not  hesitate to act if the health of the public is at risk.

“We have already dealt with more than 200 reports from the public about businesses not following the guidance.

“My message to traders and business owners is, by all means, to re-open, but if you can’t accommodate the two-metre social distancing measures, you shouldn’t be reopening."

Under Health & Safety at Work and public health legislation, businesses who disregard the safety of their staff and customers can end up facing court action and a steep fine.

The council has  powers that it can use to fine and close businesses who are not cooperating with the law. 

Meanwhile, the leader of the council, Cllr Philip Jackson, has also issued a statement.

“We are doing everything possible to support businesses and to restart the local economy, but businesses need to work with us and abide by the rules.

“The guidance set out by the Government is very important to stop the spread of the virus and it is vital that traders are responsible when starting to re-open."