New Bolton Council and police taskforce set up to enforce coronavirus regulations

It comes as The Bolton News reported yesterday that police handed out fines after breaking up a wedding and birthday party.

Under strict restrictions, households in Bolton are banned from mixing as the infection rate continues to rocket —  the highest infection rate in the country.

Now Bolton Council and the police have created a joint taskforce to check that businesses and individuals are complying with new regulations.

Last night the team went out on patrol to a number of reports and took enforcement action.

Bolton Council shut down a barbers and four takeaways were fined

Police issued fixed penalty notices (FPNs) at two addresses following reports of large gatherings.

Police were called to reports of a house party for a 60th birthday where 15 people were present in Astley Bridge.

In Great Lever, a fine was issued on a follow-up visit to where around 100 people had previously gathered for a wedding party on Friday 4 September.

The owners of both addresses were each issued with £100 fines.

Scott's Barbers in Horwich was shut down after council officer said they had received a number of complaints about the business. Environmental Health Officers served an immediate closure order after finding the premises were not covid-secure.

They said that hairdressers in the salon were not wearing face coverings which they are required to do, and physical distancing was not in place.

The business had received a final warning instructing it to make changes ­— but officers say they found the "situation unchanged" during an inspection.

The business will have to remain closed indefinitely until the council is satisfied improvements have been made.

Fines of £100 were issued to LA Pizza, on Crompton Way, Grillicious on Tonge Moor Road, Allens Fried Chicken on Chorley Old Road and Pizza Corner on Higher Market Street, Farnworth for operating a takeaway service after 10pm.

New tighter restrictions were introduced in Bolton on Tuesday to curb coronavirus, as the town recorded the highest rate of new cases in the country.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environment Regulatory Services, Cllr Hilary Fairclough (pictured) said: “Alongside our partners in the police, we have increased enforcement activity and will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to those who flout the restrictions.

“The majority of businesses have taken their responsibilities seriously and are following the regulations. Unfortunately, there are some who are choosing to break the rules and we have fined them. The rules are clear – if you operate a hairdressers or barbers you must wear visors, and no takeaway services after 10pm.

“Be warned, we will continue to do spot checks. Bolton residents can play an important role in keeping us all safe. If you believe a business is not following the proper regulations, report it to us and we will close down those who are putting lives at risk.”

Detective Chief Inspector Steph Parker said: "Following the tighter restrictions imposed on Bolton this week, we have been working tirelessly with the local authority to ensure that robust and proportionate plans are in place to meet regular demand across the district as well as reports of Covid-breaches.

"The rules are now very clear; in order to avoid another lockdown we all need to ensure we are not mixing with anyone outside of our household or social bubble. These rules are very clear, and anyone found to be blatantly disregarding these can expect to face enforcement.

"While I thank the majority of the public and business owners for the sacrifices they have to make, there are a minority who are still not heeding the message.

"We will continue to work with the council and officers from Environmental Health to make sure that any businesses failing to operate within these restrictions will also face consequences for their flouting of the legislation, and I hope the action taken in the past 24 hours makes that message clear."

Bolton Council has previously closed down a vape shop, and a restaurant.

People can report concerns about businesses not complying to environmental.health@bolton.gov.uk