Wigan car wash owner fined £1,000 for operating during national lockdown

Wigan Council was told Leo's Hand Car Wash, on Jackson Street in Ince, was open, despite the current restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Staff from the council's regulatory services team, along with officers from Greater Manchester Police, visited the business on Tuesday and found the owner and his staff working on site.

The owner was given a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for breaking the rules.

Coun Paul Prescott, the council's cabinet member for environment and regulatory services, said: "These fines are a reminder to everyone that we will not hesitate to take action on anyone who breaches the rules that are in place to keep us all safe.

“While we appreciate the difficult times that businesses face, it’s vital that everyone does their bit and abides by the rules so we can keep infection rates down, protect the NHS and ultimately save lives.

“At this critical time for our borough, we would urge everyone to stick to the rules and I thank the vast majority of businesses who are complying.”

Under government guidelines only businesses providing essential services are permitted to stay open during the winter lockdown.

Shops that supply groceries, medicines and financial services can continue to serve customers, as long as they are Covid-secure. A full list of which businesses can open can be found on the government website.

Anyone with information or who suspects that a business is breaching the rules can contact the council at comm.wigan.gov.uk

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