BLACKBURN Mall has announced customers will be required to wear face masks effective immediately.

This comes before the government's nationwide ruling comes into effect on July 24 due to fears of increased infection rates in the area.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has already issued recommendations that shoppers keep their faces covered for this reason.

A spokesperson for Capital & Regional, which owns Blackburn Mall, said: “Throughout this period our number one priority has been the health and safety of our guests and colleagues.

"We are continually monitoring public health service advice on this and working through how we can ensure that we are operating as efficiently as possible within the confines of the central government’s and local authority’s directions.

“Following the updated local guidance from the Blackburn with Darwen Director of Public Health, we will be asking all of our guests, retailers and employees to comply with the directive on the wearing of face coverings in shops and retail spaces effective immediately, until further notice.

"We would like to thank all our guests for their ongoing support and understanding.”

Other businesses requiring customers to wear face coverings include TK Maxx at Townsmoor, which will be giving out face coverings to their customers.

Blackburn Market, Ainsworth Jewellers and Althams Travel Blackburn on Darwen Street are also asking people to only enter with a face coverings and have implemented new safety measures.