Gainsborough barber caught working in secret

A barber in Gainsborough has been ordered to stop working behind closed doors by West Lindsey District Council.

Kings Barbers on Church Street was found to be breaching the lockdown restrictions imposed by the government as part of the COVID-19 pandemic.

West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire Police visited the business following reports from people in the area.

The owner has been served with a Prohibition Notice – which is the first notice the council has issued due to a business continuing to operate during the restrictions.

The notice 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, where an unlimited fine may be issued.

Councillor Giles McNeil, 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 would like to thank those members of the public who reported the operation of this business to us and to the officers who have attended and dealt with it today.

“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; follow the social distancing rules and only go out for essentials and for exercise.”

Andy Gray, Housing and Environmental Enforcement Manager at West Lindsey District Council said the Council will continue to monitor compliance with the businesses restrictions seven days a week whilst they are in force.

He added: “There is no excuse, particularly at this stage of the lockdown period, to be operating a business such as this. We are extremely grateful to the reporting public and hope that this demonstrates that with their help we can take steps to keep the public safe during this period and beyond”.

Inspector Gail Hurley from Lincolnshire Police said: “It is very important that we listen carefully to the Government advice and the instructions during these challenging times. We need to comply with the regulations to ensure that we stay safe, save lives and protect the NHS.

“Lincolnshire Police will always try and engage with the public first but there are times when we have no other option other than to use the powers enacted by the government to protect the public.”

Business advice and support is available for any business via Business Lincolnshire’s COVID-19 support phone line. Advisors are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Call 01522 782189.