More than 40 reports have been received by council of businesses allegedly flouting coronavirus lockdown rules.

The 41 tip offs range from beauty salons to pubs. Swindon Borough Council has issued two traders, a Gorse Hill barber and the owner of the Deers Leap pub, with prohibition notices banning them from opening during the lockdown.

The borough’s trading standards team said people had also called the council alleging pub beer gardens had been used and asking if their employer could continue to trade.

Coun Cathy Martyn, cabinet member for housing and public safety, said: “Our priority is always to keep people safe. We understand that the government’s regulations have a significant impact on businesses but it’s vital that the rules are followed in order to protect everyone, and that includes individuals, the NHS, medical staff, carers and other key workers.

“We’d far rather businesses complied voluntarily than have to take enforcement action, although you’ll see from the data and information supplied that we won’t hesitate to take enforcement action if required.

“We’re also here to proactively support local businesses. We’re happy to provide advice and assistance, so if you have any queries about whether your business should close, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01793 445500 as we’d like to support you as much as we can.”

Last month, Swindon Borough Council was forced to issue two prohibition notices under the coronavirus regulations.

The first was handed to the Deers Leap pub in mid-April after police were called to the Penhill tavern following reports of a lock-in. While officers were at the scene a disagreement turned violent, with a woman arrested after allegedly assaulting three constables. At the time, landlord Iain Watson told the Adver he did not wish to comment on the order and was seeking legal advice.

A week later, a Gorse Hill barber was slapped with a prohibition order. The council had received reports he was cutting hair from his home. The borough has not released his name or address.

Under the regulations, there is no requirement for council officers to warn a business they are breaching the rules before placing an order on the trader.

However, Swindon Borough Council said where possible officers would speak to business owners in order to ensure they abided by the regulations.

“Where we believe that a business is trading in breach of the regulations and the business refuses to close and to comply with the regulations we will issue a prohibition notice,” a spokesman said.

“The purpose of the rules is to reduce social interaction and therefore the risk of Covid-19 spreading.”