Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

And Councillor Mark Townsend said it was 'down to us all' to to take the situation seriously.

He said: "I cannot say this strongly enough that this is a serious situation and we would not be closing businesses unless we really needed to.

"But all of us, without exception, need to now follow the rules and we may be able to look forward to a happy Christmas.

The leader of Burnley Council Coun. Mark Townsend has called on people in the town to 'knuckle down' and follow the rules as Tier 3 lockdown is imposed (photo by Andy Ford)

"If we don't abide by the rules then we could end up with months of this and no end in sight.

"It is not down to the government or the council to do this.. it is down to us."

Coun. Townsend said that while the 'vast majority' of people in Burnley had taken the situation seriously he said there was an urgent need for everyone to return to the focus they had in the spring at the start of the pandemic.

Speaking after the announcement was made Coun. Townsend said: "I always felt that the restrictions were not stringent enough because of the high infection rates.

"I believed it was right us to go into tier three, but with the right package to limit the impact on businesses.

"I am pleased that the 15 Lancashire leaders have stuck together on this after several hours of meetings and negotiations."

"Knuckle down and follow the rules' is appeal from leader of Burnley Council as town goes into Tier 3 lockdown