COVID marshals are now patrolling the streets of Wokingham to make sure people are following the new lockdown restrictions.

Wokingham Borough Council said the marshals are trying to “encourage the right behaviour” but people and businesses who flout the rules could face fines.

The marshals will initially focus on the town centre but can be deployed to other parts of Wokingham if needed.

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They will be offering information and advice on the Covid-19 lockdown rules and working to ensure that people and businesses follow them.

The new Covid marshal team is made up of council employees and officers from the Public Protection Service.

The government has provided councils across the country with £30 million to spend on Covid marshals and enforcement activities, in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for public health, said: “We are proud of the way the vast majority of our businesses and residents have responded to  Covid-19 regulations and want to support them as best we can during these challenging times.

“But with further changes in regulations and guidance there are some who may be unsure and unfortunately some who may deliberately flout the rules.

“This new team will be there for everybody – to provide reassurance and support, advice and engagement and, where necessary, to spot infringements.

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“We are all in this together and the aim of this team is to provide visible engagement and encouragement to help the community protect itself from Covid-19.

“Initially, the team will focus on businesses and town centres but it will be flexible and will review priorities each week to ensure we have a dynamic response to any issues across the borough.”