WARRINGTON'S Labour council leader Russ Bowden has defended the deal done with the Government as the authority entered Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions.

He admitted that 'we went in with a larger ask than what we got from Government' but denied it had been a 'case of rolling over'.

Warrington entered the most extreme lockdown restrictions this morning, Tuesday.

Warrington Borough Council will receive a financial support package of £1.68 million to help contact-tracing and enforcement, as well as £4.2 million in business support from the Government.

READ MORE > What is the coronavirus situation in Warrington?

Mr Bowden told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "Ultimately we had to make a call whether or not to accept that, that's what a negotiation is about.

"We have got a good deal for the people of Warrington, we have got promises for further funding that will come out in due course.

"This was the right decision to make. Sometimes they are tough ones, you don't always get what you ask for, but I can absolutely assure the people of Warrington that we have got them a good deal."

Talks started between the council and government on Wednesday and finished on Friday.

Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols said the amount of money on offer was 'not up with negotiation' and would be 'too little too late' for many businesses.

She told the Warrington Guardian: "She added: “The funding formula the government has come up with is not up for negotiation.

“It is tied to the population. I would liked to have seen Warrington given more funding before the move to tier 2.

“But the council had to accept the move because of the public health situation.”

What does Tier 3 mean exactly?

Expect extreme curbs to your social life - social mixing is banned both indoors and in private gardens, while pubs and bars must close unless they can operate as a restaurant.

The rule of six applies in some outdoor settings such as parks, public gardens and sports courts.

Deliberately flouting the rules can net you a fine of up to £6,400, while those who organise gatherings of more than 30 people can be fined up to £10,000.

Shops and places of worship can remain open, as can schools and colleges, while universities must reflect wider restrictions with the option to move to greater online provision.

Up to 15 guests are allowed at weddings and 30 people can attend funerals, with 15 allowed at wakes, but wedding receptions are not permitted.

People living in Tier 3 areas are advised against overnight stays in other parts of the UK and should avoid travel where possible in and out of the area, unless it is for work, education or caring responsibilities.

Number 10 confirmed that, under Tier 2 and 3 rules on household mixing, people can still meet up for work meetings indoors under certain circumstances.