A BLACKBURN business has fallen foul of national inspectors for failing to meet the required standards of coronavirus safety.

The unnamed firm has been served a 'notice to improve' after a visit from the Health and Safety Executive to check on its Covid-19 controls.

The owners now face imprisonment or a fine if they fail to rectify the faults.

Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council which is co-ordinating closely with the HSE in workplaces where clusters of coronavirus are reported, has warned borough businesses that failure to provide Covid-safe workplaces will lead to action.

Businesses are required by law to provide adequate welfare facilities for their employees including suitable toilet, hand washing facilities and rest areas.

The Blackburn business,was handed formal improvement notices after a HSE inspection found no warm running water in its toilets, no rest area and poor practices around social distancing, sanitiser provision and cleaning.

Failure to comply promptly with the notices is a criminal offence which could result in imprisonment or a fine.

Cllr Khan said: "We take Covid-19 compliance very seriously and take a hard line on any businesses flouting the rules.

" I hope the business in question will heed the warning and make the necessary improvements for the safety of its staff and customers, or else they risk facing tougher sanctions."