THE leaders of two councils have urged residents to abide by the latest lockdown restrictions.

Blackburn with Darwen's Cllr Mohammed Khan and Ribble Valley's Cllr Stephen Atkinson also detailed closures of borough-run centres.

They spoke out after MPs confirmed the tough new rules in Parliament.

Ribble Valley Borough has shut its council offices in Church Walk, Clitheroe; the Platform Gallery in Station Road, Clitheroe; the Ribblesdale Pool and 3G pitches in Edisford Road, Clitheroe; and Clitheroe Castle Museum.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has closed its leisure centres and libraries.

The latter will operate a limited remote service.

Blackburn and Darwen Market food stalls will be open for takeaway and delivery but not in-person customers while, but other stalls will close.

Blackburn and Darwen recycling centres will remain open and bin collections will continue as normal.

Cllr Atkinson said: “Local restrictions have helped to slow the spread of the virus, but the Government’s view is that, as the national R rate is still above one, a short lockdown is the best way to slow transmission and protect ourselves, our families and the NHS.

“I would like to thank residents for adhering to restrictions.”

Cllr Khan said: "We know residents and businesses are sick and tired of this terrible virus,

"So we urge residents to continue to work with us and do everything they can to help stop the spread of the virus. Please stay at home as much as possible and don’t mix with people you don’t live with.

"We do not want to see a continual cycle of relaxing measures then tightening them up again."