BURNLEY Council has banned non-essential journeys by staff into rural areas.

Measures include suspension of all planning site visits to rural areas until further notice, no staff visits to farms apart from exceptional circumstances, no council vehicles entering farms, and collection of household refuse from farms and other rural areas only at farm gates and the end of farm tracks.

The council is urging the public to stay away from rural areas and is seeking legal advice on the closure of rural footpaths bordering farm land used for stock grazing, following requests from farmers.

Anyone wanting advice can contact the environmental health and cleansing unit at Padiham Town Hall on 01282 425011.