Brent Council has asked the public to report any non-essential businesses still operating during the coronavirus pandemic.

Businesses across the country were told to close as part of the Government’s lockdown measures to help reduce the spread of covid-19.

But in Brent, the council has already served two prohibition notices to shops that had refused to shut.

A barbers’ in Willesden Lane and a tanning shop in Neasden Lane that were continuing to operate were told to stop by enforcement officers.

And the council wants its residents to act as the “eyes and ears” of the borough and inform on businesses that are still flouting the new rules.

Cllr Tom Miller, responsible for community safety and engagement at Brent Council, said: “Trading when you know you are putting lives at risk is just completely unacceptable and I doubt your customers would ever forgive you if it were discovered that you were a source of spreading the disease.

“Equally we would ask customers to avoid businesses that are open illegally and instead report them to us as a matter of urgency.

“We know this is a tough time for local business, but owners should apply for the government’s scheme for financial support, rather than staying open and helping the virus spread.”

The council explained that those businesses who breach prohibition notices could face legal proceedings.

It urged anyone who spots businesses not following the guidelines to email trading.standards@brent.gov.uk to report them.