NEW rules which will make it mandatory for people to wear masks in shops and supermarkets have come 'a little late'.

That was the view of Barrow’s Business Improvement District (BID) manager Colin Garnett after Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed that the use of face coverings would need to be worn in shops in England from July 24.

Those who do not comply could be landed with a £100 fine.

“I can’t believe it’s taken this long for the government to say that face coverings should be worn," said Mr Garnett.

“I think it has come a little late.

“Supermarkets are very busy places and to keep staff members and the general public safe face coverings probably should have been introduced sooner.

“It’s a bit of a surprise to me that they’re now introducing them on July 24, four months down the line.”

Mr Garnett believes the use of face masks will give the public more confidence and that more Barrovians will decide to shop locally.

“I think they’ll give more people confidence to come shopping in Barrow town centre where shops are smaller,” he said.

“There’s less people and it provides a safer environment for people to come shopping.”

However he believes it will be difficult to police the new rules.

“I think people will comply,” he said.

“I think it will be more difficult with people who just want to pop into a newsagents for example. It’s going to be interesting how they police it.”

Several Barrow businesses have welcomed the new measures.

John Waite, manager of North West Consumables, said: “It may put people off, I know a few people who are against it.

“But in the grand scheme of things I think it’s a sensible option.”

Dave Turner, co-owner of TNT records, said: “I think some customers might be put off but it will reassure a lot of other customers.

“It will probably be a good thing and will put people’s minds at rest.

“We will be supplying them in store for people who don’t have them on them.”

There has been ongoing debate as to the effectiveness of wearing masks to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The public were first advised to wear coverings in enclosed public spaces in May, in instances where they may encounter people they would not usually meet.

Legislation changed once again on June 15 to make face coverings compulsory on public transport.

Under the new rules those with certain disabilities will be exempt, as well as children under eleven.