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Public spaces across Bury are set to shut in a bid to reduce the transmission of coronavirus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told pubs, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres to shut after tonight to reduce social contact.

Following the announcement, council bosses confirmed they would be temporarily shutting Castle Leisure Centre in Bury, as well as leisure centres in Ramsbottom and Radcliffe.

The borough’s three civic halls will also be closed: Ramsbottom Civic, the Longfield Suite in Prestwich, and the Elizabethan Suite in Bury.

Bury Art Museum and the Connect and Direct social care office in Bury have also now closed due to staffing issues, as has Bury Adult Learning Centre.

However, libraries across the borough will remain open for the time being.

Staff in suspended services will be asked to work from home, or may be directed to other services.

Those who have made bookings at the civic halls will be contacted to discuss their options.

Councillor David Jones, leader of the council, said: “The Government’s advice is absolutely clear – we must all do as much as we can to keep our distance.

“The council is still open for business, but we will focusing all our efforts on maintaining essential services such as waste collection and supporting the most vulnerable in our society, such as those who receive social care.”

Pubs, restaurants and bars across the borough have also been asked to shut, although Mr Johnson said takeaway services were still allowed.

He added that the situation would be reviewed each month.