THE council is urging people in Inverclyde to back local businesses as lockdown is lifted.

A spokesperson said: “Local businesses will be eager to see customers once again and we encourage people to ‘shop local’ where possible to support the local economy and its recovery from the pandemic.

“We would urge everyone to also continue following the rules, listen to instructions from staff and, above all else, stay safe to protect themselves, to protect each other and to protect Inverclyde.”