A POPULAR Trafford pub has been sterilised after reports that people had possibly tested positive for coronavirus.

Cautionary cleaning measures were carried at The Old Plough in Ashton upon Mersey today as part of efforts to reassure and protect customers.

The pub remains open for business.

The moves were undertaken by a specialist cleaning company as part of a joint action by the pub's management, police and the Hydes Brewery.

Richard Butterworth, the pub's manager, said the concerns about Covid-19 had stemmed from rumours circulating on a Sale community Facebook page.

However, he confirmed that the pub had not been contacted by NHS England regarding possible Covid-19 cases as part of the Test and Trace scheme.

Mr Butterworth added: "We have taken every step that we can to make sure that our customers are as safe as possible, at considerable cost to us."

The disinfection measures were not compulsory and were undertaken by The Old Plough voluntarily to protect customers.

They mean that the surfaces inside the pub will now be sterile for the next four weeks, Mr Butterworth said.

Throughout this week Greater Manchester Police's district licensing officer, PC Karen Packer, has also be collaborating with the pub to ensure it is 'coronavirus secure'.

In a post on social media, GMP Trafford South said: "Following numerous reports on social media regarding people possibly testing positive with COVID after attending The Old Plough public house in Ashton on Mersey, police have been working in partnership with the management and brewery.

"PC Karen Packer (District licensing officer), quickly responded to the report and liaised with the manager to ensure the public house is operating in a COVID secure manner.

"Although test and trace have not confirmed cases to the public house, steps have been taken with a specialist cleaning company to ensure the premises is sterilised.

"The premises will continue to operate whilst ensuring measures are in place."