Bars close after Covid detected in resident

TWO village pubs and a cafe bar closed their doors after learning a resident had tested positive for Covid-19.

The New Fleetwood, St Stephen’s Sports and Social Club and Ralph’s Wife, all in Banks, all took the precautionary action in order to protect staff and customers.

The trio had all been due to open as normal on Friday but announced their decisions after hearing about the diagnosis.

Keith Evason, landlord of the New Fleetwood, was the first to announce the decision and pledged that staff would be tested before the pub reopens.

He said that he had been informed a neighbour had tested positive and that others living in the village had also caught the virus.

Keith said: “We take the safety of our customers and fellow villagers seriously and feel we have a responsibility to keep people safe although staff have no signs or symptoms, we have took the decision to close until we have been tested and received the results back.

“We our sorry for the inconvenience this might be for customers but your safety is our main concern,”

Malcolm Proctor, owner of Ralph’s Wife, said he did not believe that anyone who was affected had visited the cafe bar, which first opened last year, but felt it was “wise to reduce opportunities for further spread of the disease.”

Soon after, the committee which manages St Stephen’s promised to close for an initial 72 hour period to allow the club to be deep cleaned.

Announcing the decision, the committee added: “Once we reopen can we please remind all members it is their responsibility for their actions not ours if you are displaying symptoms, please please remain at home and follow the governent guidelines.”