A recording on Frome's Halford's answerphone tells would be shoppers that it is now closed, even though the company said it would try and keep some branches open.

The company said it would close all 400 stores for the time being, but may re-open some as key guidance from the government is that bicycle shops can remain open.

It comes as the government announced that all MoTs are being suspended for six months.

Cars, motorcycles and vans to be granted MoT exemption, which will allow people to carry on with essential travel.

However the government advice is that vehicles must be kept in roadworthy condition.

Vehicle owners will be granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing, enabling them to continue to travel to work where this absolutely cannot be done from home, or shop for necessities.

All cars, vans and motorcycles which usually would require an MOT test will be exempted from needing a test from 30 March. Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work. Drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ""We must ensure those on the frontline of helping the nation combat COVID19 are able to do so.

"Allowing this temporary exemption from vehicle testing will enable vital services such as deliveries to continue, frontline workers to get to work, and people get essential food and medicine.

"Safety is key, which is why garages will remain open for essential repair work."

Legislation will be introduced on March 30 and will come into immediate effect for 12 months, following a short consultation with key organisations. Drivers will still need to get their vehicle tested until the new regulations come into place, if they need to use it.

The Department for Transport is working with insurers and the police to ensure people aren't unfairly penalised for things out of their control.

Practical driving tests and annual testing for lorries, buses and coaches have been suspended for up to three months.