West Lancs could be next area to be hit by a local lockdown, warn Council leaders

West Lancashire Borough Council, which covers Skelmersdale and Ormskirk, revealed that it has already activated its local prevention plans in anticipation of a looming lockdown in the area.

Council leaders said the authority is "progressing" its local prevention plans following the introduction of similar measures in Preston last week.

Large parts of the North West, including East Lancashire and Greater Manchester, have now been under lockdown for more than two weeks following a sudden surge in cases.

Last Friday, West Lancs Cllr Ron Cooper posted on Facebook, saying: "I suppose you have heard that Preston has been required to apply further local lockdown measures.

"But, you may not have heard that West Lancashire has now been ranked as red, which means that there is an upward trend in cases.

"Due to this upward trend WLBC are actively progressing our local prevention plans in anticipation that lockdown measures will be put in place for our residents as well.

"Please follow the safety messages and STAY SAFE everyone. Let's hope we can avoid this."

Cllr Ian Moran, leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, followed this and added: "This is a critical time for the whole of West Lancs.

"We need everyone to play their part, it is really important you and your family know and are still following the safety advice especially where you need to wear a face covering, to keep washing your hands and keep a safe distance."

Chief operating officer, Jacqui Sinnott–Lacey, has also urged those living in West Lancashire to work together and follow the guidance to avoid a lockdown being imposed on the area.

She said: "Other areas within the North West, including areas as close to the borough as Preston, have needed to implement local lockdown measures and we really need to keep West Lancs moving.

"None of us want a local lockdown to be introduced so we all need to work together to prevent this.

"We are working closely with our partners across the whole of Lancashire, but most of all we need everyone to remember COVID has not gone away and they need to follow the safety advice."

The current guidance for residents is that they should wear a face covering in enclosed spaces such as on public transport and in shops and supermarkets.

A spokesman for WLBC added: "You may have seen on the news that our neighbours in Preston have had to implement new local lockdown measures. In order to stop the same from happening here, we all need to work together.

"Remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently, and avoid touching your face.

"Face coverings must now be worn in more indoor settings, unless you are exempt. These include museums, cinemas, libraries, places of worship."

The Council also said those with symptoms, no matter how mild, should arrange a test immediately. You can arrange a test here.