WARRINGTON residents have been warned not to travel into bordering areas which have been placed back under increased lockdown restrictions.

The town shares a border with boroughs such as Trafford, Salford and Wigan – all of which were given stricter rules last night, Thursday, in order to prevent a second wave of the coronavirus.

Those living in these areas – as well as other towns and cities in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire – cannot invite anyone into their homes or garden or visit other households.

Breaches of these new rules could result in a £100 fine.

Warrington Borough Council has urged its residents to be ‘extra cautious’ as a result.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, the council’s executive board member for public health, said: “These new restrictions will, I’m sure, be difficult news for many but they are necessary to help prevent another major and prevalent outbreak of the virus.

“Breaking the new restrictions is illegal, and the fines are in place to support everybody’s safety.

“It is simply not worth the financial or health risks of flouting the new restrictions.

“We are doing ever so well in Warrington to contain and prevent the spread of the virus, and I’m thankful to our communities and residents for following the guidance and playing their part to stop the spread of the virus.

“In some Warrington communities, you could only be a matter of metres away from a boundary into an affected area, like Trafford for example, so please take extra care and caution if you’re planning on heading out and about.

“We cannot be complacent about the spread of this indiscriminate virus and must remain cautious.

“Please try and avoid going into the affected areas if at all possible unless and, as difficult as it might be, please do not allow people who live in these affected areas to visit – unless of course you are in a support bubble.”

Meanwhile, Cheshire Police are warning residents ‘not to let their guard down in the fight against Covid-19’.

Superintendent Julie Westgate said: “Firstly, I would like to thank residents for everything they have done to help reduce the number of Covid-19 cases in Cheshire.

“This has been an extremely difficult time for everyone, and I understand the great sacrifices people have had to make to help achieve this.

“However, as we move forward it is essential that people don’t let their guard down and they continue to follow the guidance which has been put in place by the government.

“As we have seen in neighbouring areas, the situation can change quickly – so all Cheshire residents need to remain vigilant, act responsibly and do everything they can to stay safe.

“This includes ensuring they adhere to the social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings when out in shops and stores – this is particularly relevant ahead of the weekend when lots of people will be out shopping and socialising with friends and family, and it’s easy to forget about some of the restrictions.

“Our officers will continue to patrol key locations and use common sense and discretion to determine what is reasonable, with officers engaging, explaining, encouraging and only as a last resort enforcing.

People in the newly affected areas can still meet in outdoor public spaces in groups of up to six people, unless this includes only people from two households.

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane added: “The vast majority of Cheshire residents have followed the government’s advice over the past few months.

“I hope that this continues.

“Please keep in mind the purpose of the remaining regulations and the national effort and, by following the guidance and working together, we can all help to protect the NHS and save lives.”