Trafford Council has issued closure orders on two branches of Carpetright which were breaking lockdown rules by remaining open.

Environmental Health officers served prohibition notices on the stores in Urmston and Altrincham after discovering they were still trading.

The council took the action following advice from the Government that carpet shops are in the homeware category and are not allowed to trade.

The local authority is now ordering the shops to remain closed until the lockdown ends on the proposed date of December 2.

Cllr Mike Freeman, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Public Safety and Governance, said: “We have been told by the Government that carpet shops come under the category of homeware and are therefore not essential.

"Trafford Council, like other authorities, is following Government guidance on this. We understand that independent carpet store across the borough have closed. People can still buy carpets and accessories via the click and collect and delivery method.”

The council’s Environmental Health teams will continue to carry out visits to businesses it believes should be closed during the lockdown.