A FISHING tackle shop in the city has been forced to close due to government guidance over the coronavirus outbreak.

Shops selling “non-essential” goods have been told to close as prime minister Boris Johnson took dramatic steps to combat the spread of the virus.

Alan’s Fishing Tackle in Malvern Road, Worcester, had been serving the fishing enthusiast community since 1972 and the shop’s owners are unsure if it will open again.

Fighting back tears, Ellen Reynolds who runs the shop with her husband, Dave, said: “We’ve had to turn the fridge off and no one is buying maggots now and we’ve had to close.

“The Government said they’d help us but because I’m 72, I would get nothing as I receive a pension.

“We’ve paid everything to the tax man over the years and now I can’t get anything.

“I don’t know when we’ll be back open again.”

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Worcester City councillor Richard Udall said: “The shop has been a feature of the city for a very long time, serving a niche market. I hope after this crisis ends, the owners will have an opportunity to reform and reopen, providing a vital service to the community.”

The ‘lockdown’ measures will be in place for at least three weeks and has heralded the closure of libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship in Worcester.

The Prime Minister said people should not be going shopping except for essentials such as food and medicine.

Although that meant that food retailers and pharmacies would remain open, Mr Johnson said people should limit shopping trips and use delivery services where possible.

In a statement last week, Mr Johnson said: “To ensure compliance with the Government’s instruction to stay at home, we will immediately close all shops selling non-essential goods,​ including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship.

“I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review.

“We will look again in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to.

“But at present there are just no easy options. The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost.”