A BRANCH of Lloyds Bank has to be temporarily closed after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

Staff at the Westhoughton branch are now self-isolating, meaning the bank in Market Street is unable to open to customers.

Lloyds Bank confirmed there had been a positive covid-19 test recorded and would open the branch to customers as soon as they could.

A Lloyds Bank spokesperson said:"We have temporarily closed the Lloyds Westhoughton branch in Bolton after a colleague was diagnosed with Covid-19.

"Our priority is the wellbeing of our colleagues and customers and we continue to follow Government guidance.

"As a number of our colleagues are now self-isolating we’re unable to open the branch, but we’ll reopen as soon as we can.”

Bolton's high rate of infection ­— 231.6 per 100,000 ­— means the town is subject to stricter covid regulations.

Bolton residents are not allowed to meet other households indoors or in a private garden and socialising with people they do not live with in public venues.

They have also been told to only make essential travel journeys and hospitality venues can only serve take-away food.