A BARBERS shut down for breaching covid-19 regulations has been given the green light to reopen after putting in safety measures to protect customers and staff from the virus.

Scott's Barbers in Horwich was closed by Bolton Council environmental health team on September 11 after officers received 'multiple complaints' from members of the public that staff were not wearing face visors and a lack of social distancing.

Council chiefs say they issued the business was issued with a final warning but it still failed to put the necessary precautions in place.

But after making the required changes, Scott’s Barbers was told it could reopen from Friday, September 18.

Council officers say they will continue to visit the premises to ensure it remains compliant.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environment Regulatory Services, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “Safety measures such as social distancing and PPE are not optional extras – they are the law and essential to protect lives and bring the local infection rate down.

“I am pleased to see this business has put the necessary precautions in place, but a week-long closure could have been easily avoided if they had listened to the numerous warnings they were given.

“As ever, we need the public’s help on this. If you see a business flouting the rules, do not give it your custom and report it to the council.”

The notice served on Scott’s Barbers was handed out during a wide-ranging joint operation between the council and Greater Manchester police.

In the course of just one evening, fixed penalty notices were issued to households hosting large gatherings and several takeaways were fined for operating after 10pm.

Authorities have formed a joint taskforce to enforce the coronavirus restrictions in the borough.

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