Businesses in East Dunbartonshire will be shut down if they flout health protection during COVID-19

Police and East Dunbartonshire Council are also once again warning people not to drive to beauty spots in East Dunbartonshire.

Residents and local businesses are being reminded of the importance of staying home and practising social distancing as the coronavirus pandemic tightens its grip.

Spring-like weather has attracted many people to drive to local beauty spots including Milngavie Reservoir, Mugdock Country Park or the “Car Park in the Sky” at the Campsies to exercise but residents are being reminded that to minimise the potential spread of coronavirus it is essential to remain close to home. Be mindful of social distancing, even when outdoors.

Whether it be parks or allotments, canal paths or nature reserves, it is imperative to ensure that you are leaving the house for exercise once a day, for up to an hour. When you are out, exercise only with people in your household and remain at least two metres from others.

The Council’s Community Protection team, which includes Environmental Health and Trading Standards Officers, has been authorised under new Coronavirus Regulations 2020 to close business premises when required.

If businesses are not adhering to Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, a Prohibition Notice can be served and Council officers can link with partners Police Scotland if necessary.

Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive - Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets, said: “Trading Standards Officers and Environmental Health Officers from East Dunbartonshire Council will be making sure that all East Dunbartonshire businesses are complying with the legal requirements regarding closure and social distancing in business premises.

“Our officers will be working in conjunction with Police Scotland in this respect while Police Scotland colleagues will also be carrying out work to make sure that people are not gathering or making non-essential journeys during the emergency period.

“We would remind residents that the government’s guidance on social distancing is people should avoid travelling unless it is essential.

“Essential travel does not include driving to beauty spots for exercise. Please remember that other people’s lives may depend upon your actions.”

If you have any enquiries or would like to report any non-compliance issues regarding the closure or social distancing requirements please email

[email protected] or [email protected].

Officers will be able to advise, investigate or take further action where appropriate, to make sure that businesses are complying with the new emergency legislation.

A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper when you do your weekly shop.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Janet Bee