A barber in Gainsborough has been ordered to stop working after he was caught breaching the coronavirus lockdown rules

Following reports from members of the public, West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire Police attended Kings Barbers in Church Street, Gainsborough, to find the business operating behind closed doors.

The owner has been served with a prohibition notice, the first notice the council has issued due to a business continuing to operate during the restrictions, which requires the business to cease the activity immediately and sets out that if any further breaches are found, it could lead to prosecution in a magistrates court.

Coun Giles McNeill, leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “We are in the middle of a global pandemic. We must all be in this together and only together will we be able to move on.

“By serving this notice, it is a clear reminder that flouting the law will not be tolerated, that putting people at risk has been, is and will remain, unacceptable.

“I understand these times are tough for businesses and I appreciate that the majority of businesses are following the guidelines.

“However, this type of activity not only presents a risk to local residents and those of neighbouring districts, but also to our council officers and police colleagues.

“My priority is to urge everyone to follow the government’s advice.”