Social distancing inspections carried out at homes and businesses in Northampton

Homes and businesses in Northampton were checked to make sure they were complying with social distancing on Saturday (June 6).

More than 35 firms were inspected and given advice by Northampton Borough Council, Northamptonshire Police and the Northampton Partnership Homes.

Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet member for environment, said: “We know that the vast majority of individuals and organisations are following the guidance and I would appeal to everyone including the business community to carry on with the great work protecting customers and staff.

"I encourage everyone who requires further clarification on the new rules to contact our environmental health and licensing team.

“We appreciate how hard it is for businesses that are closed, and in some cases operating very differently, but it’s important that they reopen safely and support staff and customers to adhere to necessary rules through appropriate measures, including social distancing, good hygiene, enhanced cleaning, shielding employees who are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and supporting employees with symptoms to self-isolate."

Social distancing requirements were considered satisfactory at most premises but two breaches of business regulations were identified along with a number of potential breaches of licensing legislation.

Advice on health and safety at work was provided at one of the premises and patrols were carried out in residential areas close to Wellingborough Road.

Chief Inspector Pete Basham said: “We will continue to work with our partners to engage with the county’s businesses - we want them to have all the information they need to comply with the government’s social distancing guidelines which will enable them to trade successfully and safely.

“We urge the public to be patient while stores put measures in place so that when they are open, their employees and customers are safe.

“Complying with the current social distancing rules is crucial and if we all maintain them, the more likely we are to return to some kind of normality so we can all go out about our daily lives with fewer restrictions.”

Nicky McKenzie, assistant director of housing at Northampton Partnership Homes said: “We have been working in close partnership with the local authorities and other agencies throughout the Covid-19 outbreak and we were pleased to be able to support this important initiative.

“The partnership working across Northampton has been crucial to supporting vulnerable people and keeping our residents safe.”