BLACKBURN with Darwen Council is offering advice to shops as they prepare to open their doors again following the coronavirus lockdown.

The borough's growth boss Cllr Phil Riley welcome the relaxation of the rules governing non-essential retail outlets in the coming weeks as good for the local economy.

And he said town hall staff were ready to advise shop owners on how to maintain social distancing and health and safety for customers and staff.

Shoppers, bosses and staff with concerns and queries can contact: publicprotection@blackburn.gov.uk

Cllr Riley, said: "Obviously, our main concern during this crisis has been the health and safety of all our residents and potential visitors and this is why the majority of our businesses have been closed since March.

"However, the government now feel that it is possible to re-open the majority of shops and retail with strict health and safety measures in place, and our shops, markets and showrooms across Blackburn with Darwen will need to follow this to start opening and trading again.

"It is really important to get our economy moving again, but the welfare of shoppers and staff is still the most important issue here.”