TIGHTER lockdown rules have been introduced in areas in Craven which come under the control of Bradford District, such as Addingham

Such restrictions have also been put in place in Craven areas of Pendle borough, such as Barnoldswick and Earby.

The rules came into force at just after midnight this morning in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire, which includes Pendle, to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Explaining who the restrictions will apply to, Bradford Council's CEO Kersten England said: "All those who pay council tax to Bradford, who vote in Bradford council elections and who have their bins lifted by Bradford council etc. Not postcode based."

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said the 'eleventh hour' decision by Government came as a surprise with no advance warning.

He said: “This is a stark reminder that coronavirus is still with us. We know that this will be particularly disappointing for our Muslim community who are preparing to celebrate Eid this weekend.

“But coronavirus can affect anyone in our community and we all have a duty to do everything we can to keep everyone safe.

“Please do not have visitors to your home or visit anyone else at their home.”

Pendle residents are being urged to get tested even if they have no symptoms to identify those who are not aware they are carrying the virus.

They can get tested by booking a test at the mobile testing unit, including at Barnoldswick, or by requesting a home testing kit.

For more information, to book a test at one of the mobile testing units in Pendle, or request a home testing kit.

People are also being asked wherever possible to do their shopping online, pre-book appointments and make contactless payments.

For more information about the new rules for Pendle, including ordering a home testing kit, visit – www.pendle.gov.uk/covidpendle Bradford Council has issued a list of guidelines to help reduce the spread of the virus. They include: • KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Keep at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you don’t live with.

• FACE COVERINGS: Always wear a face covering when in a shop, on public transport and when you can’t follow the 2 metre rule • HYGIENE IS KEY: Wash your hands with soap and warm water often.

• NO HANDSHAKE, NO HUGS, HANDS OFF: Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• THINK OF OTHERS: Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

• GET TESTED: If you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss/change in your sense of taste or smell.

• STAY SAFE: Do not meet people you do not live with inside a private home or garden, except where you have formed a support bubble.

• DO NOT VISIT someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of the district.

• STAY INDOORS: Isolate at home for 10 days if you have symptoms and 14 days if you live with someone who has symptoms.

• NO EVENTS: Do not socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues.

• DON’T SPIT: if you are infected, spitting will increase the chance of the virus and other germs spreading.

• TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: GPs, hospitals and other services are #StillHereToHelp.

Bradford Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: "Restricting businesses and stopping people gathering together is not something anyone wants to see happen but like many areas in the north of England, we’re at a critical moment in our district’s response to Covid-19. We hope that by taking these precautions we can prevent the introduction of much tougher lockdown measures.