RESIDENTS have been urged to report East Lancashire pubs, restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues seeking to stay open in defiance of the government's ban.

Lancashire County Council's trading standards teams have been put on alert to implement the closure order announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this week.

Casinos, and betting shops are included.

Chris Wilkinson, trading standards manager for the authority, said: “The Government has announced that certain businesses, such as bars, concert halls and gyms, must now be closed.

“We are working closely with district councils to monitor the situation to ensure they are following the closure. Businesses that ignore the closure are breaking the law.

“If you want to report a business ignoring the closure, contact our Citizen’s Advice consumer helpline or your district council environmental health team.”