A COUNCIL is stepping up its advice on safety and social distancing to businesses staying open during the coronavirus outbreak.

Hyndburn borough’s Environmental and Public Protection Team is offering them increased support on how to adhere to government guidelines

The move follows neighbouring Blackburn with Darwen Council sending in its inspectors to firms where staff believe the bosses are flouting covid-19 rules.

It had received a number of complaints from workers that bosses were ignoring the government’s guidelines on social distancing and providing protective equipment, washing facilities and hand sanitisers.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: ‘We recognise that we have many responsible business owners who are doing all that they can to keep essential services running whilst protecting their workforce and we have lots of great companies who will play a vital role in providing jobs when this crisis is over.

“In this very challenging time we are working closely with businesses who are permitted to remain open to support them in adhering to guidelines and we invite business owners to contact us if they require assistance with this. Businesses will risk litigation if members of the public or employees are not appropriately safeguarded.

“It is our responsibility as a community to work together against the threat of covid-19 and that means everyone has to follow guidelines at all times. It is essential to save lives.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s team will report repeat offenders to the government’s Health and Safety Executive for enforcement.