Barking and Dagenham shops closed by Council after remaining open against government advice

Barking and Dagenham Council enforcement officers worked alongside the police in the joint operation (credit: Google Maps)

Fours shops in Barking and Dagenham, that remained open despite government advice not to during the coronavirus outbreak, have now been closed.

The closures come as a result of a joint operation between Barking and Dagenham enforcement officers and the police, last Thursday.

These shops include a hairdressers and a phone shop in Barking. 

Certain shops across the country have been given clear guidance from the government to temporarily close if they’re not classed as essential.

During the operation, council enforcement officers and the police visited a total of 10 premises that had been reported to the council by residents.

This was either for being open when they shouldn’t be or not enforcing the correct separation distances. 

Two prohibition notices were served, one to a convenience store that didn’t have the correct separation distances and to a café, that was letting customers sit inside, while waiting for their takeaway food.

A number of other shops in Dagenham were also advised about using the correct separation distances.

Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “I can only emphasise how important it is for everyone to listen to the government’s advice and that includes local shops.

“There are obvious reasons as to why the majority of shops not considered essential have been told to temporarily close down.

“I would like to thank everyone who has reported a business not playing by the rules and ask that you also continue to do so. We will investigate and where necessary, take the appropriate action. 

“Working together, we will beat this.”

Residents can report a business online, by visiting here.