Following yesterday's government announcement, the whole of Cheshire is now under Tier 4 restrictions, meaning that the advice is now to 'stay at home'.

Reacting to this development, Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said, "This latest news is clearly disappointing, although we have a duty to act in the best interests of our residents.

"We now must stay at home except for specific reasons such as work, outdoor exercise or medical care.

"We realise that as well as affecting all of us individually, many of our businesses will be hit hard.

"The announcement was not subject to prior notice or consultation with the Council, but we will be working with a range of local organisations and the government to get assistance to those that need it.

"We must follow these rules to slow the spread, protect the NHS and save lives. As we roll out the vaccine, it would be an even greater tragedy if we don't follow the rules and we lose more lives that in a few months could be saved.

"We will all need to pull together once again. We've brought the infection rate down before, and we can do it again."