A fishmonger in Barking has been shut down after repeatedly ignoring Covid-19 regulations, the town hall says.

Barking Fish Centre, in Station Parade, failed to act on several warnings by council enforcement officers about complying with the advice it had been given.

A Barking and Dagenham Council spokesperson said staff were found to be breaching regulations on numerous occasions between November 10 and March 9 by failing to enforce face coverings being worn and allowing too many customers in at a time.

The store was handed a direction notice on March 12 ordering it to close for 14 days, which will be reviewed on Friday, March 19.

For the business to reopen, it must put in place a written policy around social distancing and face coverings in store.

Cllr Margaret Mullane, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: "We have had to close a number of businesses during the pandemic and we will continue to do so whilst regulations are still in place.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Cllr Margaret Mullane said everyone needs to put a stop to illegal gatherings and protect lives.Cllr Margaret Mullane said everyone needs to put a stop to illegal gatherings and protect lives. (Image: LBBD)

"We are only at the start of the roadmap out of lockdown and everyone should still be following all rules set by the government.

"This particular business had been warned a number of times but failed to comply and essentially continued to put residents at risk. I hope this closure will make them change their ways.”