Council chief's message to Poulton firms as restaurants close suddenly

Restaurants and bars in Poulton and across Wyre are "not being ordered to close" due to a rise in coronavirus cases, a senior councillor said.

Coun David Henderson, the leader of the local authority, moved to reassure both residents and business owners following the sudden closure of five Poulton venues yesterday.

The Tipsy Cow, The Alley, Rumba Bar, Boca Cafe and Bar, and Cinco's Mexican Restaurants said in a statement they would shut, citing a "rise of positive Covid-19 cases in the area".

They did not specify how long they intended to be closed for in their statements.

Each one has been approached for more information amid mounting speculation online.

There were 16 new coronavirus cases recorded in the borough last week, up from five the week before.

Coun Henderson said: "As far as Wyre Council is concerned, restaurants and bars observing social distancing can remain open."

A number of firms were worried they would be ordered to close, having suffered through months of national lockdown measures already, The Gazette understands.