MANDATORY mask wearing in Evesham shops has been welcomed by customers and shop owners.

The new rule, announced by the government earlier this week, means people not wearing a face covering while in a shop could face a £100 fine, from July 24.

Nigel Huddleston, Evesham’s MP, said he was confident that the public would use common sense and wear them, and not put shopkeepers in the position of having to police it themselves.

“There are two reasons for it (to be introduced), one is there is increasing medical evidence to suggest it can help,” the MP said.

“And secondly it will encourage people to shop.

“I think if someone was being offensive and refusing to wear one, if police need to get involved they can.

"They certainly have the power to do so.

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“I think we will find, particularly in our area of the country, most people want to do the right thing.”

Andy Dolphin, joint manager of Lawrance’s Bakery, on the High Street, welcomed masks in shops becoming compulsory, but highlighted the difficulties enforcing it.

“Our staff have been wearing them and PPE, if it for their safety,” he said.

“We will play it that if someone came in and didn’t wear one, we will say don’t tell them to get out the shop, because all that is going to do is cause uproar. We won’t police it.

“I hope customers do adhere to it, it is for all our safety - it should have happened months ago.”

Betsy Smith said: “Owing to the current science face masks should be mandatory at this time everywhere.”

Tina Ballard said: “Lady came into my shop last week wearing a mask, just before I served her pulled it down to sneeze into her hand then put it back on then got her money out to give me.”

Vicky Ifandi said: “It should have been compulsory ages ago but better late than never.”

Jane Davies wrote simply: “It’s common sense, and may save your life.”

But Tarah Gardner said she was not in favour of mask wearing, saying: “People don’t dispose of them correctly and will just cause another issue.

“As long as we stick to rules and the two metre rule then we shouldn’t need (to wear a mask).