PENDLE Council is appealing to residents to follow the stricter measures currently in place locally to reduce the spread of coronavirus in the borough.

Cases are continuing to rise in Pendle, in particular in Nelson and Brierfield, and everyone is being urged to do all they can to stop the virus spreading further.

Pendle,which includes Barnoldswick and Earby, currently has the highest rate of testing in the North West and the highest number of positive cases in in the country.

It says residents must not have visitors to their home or garden and must not visit anyone else in their home or garden. They must not mix with other households in indoor venues like pubs and restaurants, or visit a care home, unless in exceptional circumstances.

In addition, everyone in Pendle is being urged to get tested, even if they have no symptoms.

Councillor David Whipp, (Lib Dem, Craven) deputy leader of the council, said: “It’s really important that we identify people who may not have symptoms but who have the virus so they can take steps to stop it spreading.

“For anyone who has symptoms, or tests positive, it’s vitally important that you separate yourself from the rest of your household, especially if you share your home with elderly or vulnerable people.”

Residents can get tested at a mobile testing unit or community drop-in testing site. Results are returned more quickly from the mobile testing unit, and are also being reminded about washing hands and social distancing.

For up-to-date information on the sites and times, visit www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus