Wellingborough businesses hit with fixed penalty notices for breaching Covid-19 restrictions

An art gallery and a florist in Wellingborough have each been served with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice after they were witnessed operating with customers in their premises on more than one occasion.

The Pixie Gallery in Market Street and Georgiana’s Florist in Cambridge Street had been visited previously during routine Covid-19 compliance patrols, and were given informal warnings about not allowing customers to be present in non-essential shops during the current restrictions.

Further patrols in the area found more customers in the stores in Pixie Gallery on February 12 and on February 13 at Georgiana’s Florist, which the council said was 'clearly' not operating a click and collect service as is permitted.

Cllr Graham Lawman, chairman of the Wellingborough Council’s services committee, said: “Borough council officers and colleagues from partner agencies have been visiting businesses over the last twelve months giving advice and guidance on Covid-19 compliance, however, where businesses fail to act on that informal advice, it is only right that the council uses the range of tools we have been given by the government.

"The council will always try to use education and guidance in the first instance and is pleased to help, when asked.

“Whilst there is now a national road map for gradually lifting the current restrictions, case rates in Wellingborough are still above the national average, and we all need to play our own part in trying to address this by complying with the restrictions currently in place”.

A spokesman for Wellingborough Council said: "Due to the fact that the businesses had failed to act upon informal advice and warnings at the first visit, the fixed penalty notices were served.

"The council’s environmental health team have been working since March 2020 to assist businesses to comply with all obligations, by providing guidance and education.

"If any business requires advice or support, they can email the Borough Council of Wellingborough’s Health Protection Team at: [email protected]."