WARRINGTON Borough Council has said more Government support is needed following the 'devastating' news that the town will enter tier 3.

Following a government announcement this afternoon, Wednesday, Warrington will move into the ‘very high’ Covid local alert level from 00.01am on Boxing Day.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: "We are disappointed to see the recent acceleration of rates of infection in Warrington.

"Our communities and businesses have played their part in avoiding tier 3 restrictions up to this point, and I would like to pay tribute to them, and to our local public health teams, for their amazing dedication and commitment.

"While I agree that additional restrictions have become necessary, the decision to implement them at this time will have a devastating impact on our hospitality businesses and their employees.

"I therefore call on the government to provide additional support for those affected, and the local resources we need to turn this situation around as quickly as possible.

"We will continue to do all we can to support our communities at this challenging time.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone in our town - businesses, key workers and our communities - for working hard to follow the restrictions in place and know you will do the same once we enter tier 3.

"Defeating the virus is only a matter of time, but until then we must continue to remain resolute and play our part to stop the virus from spreading."

Cabinet member for public health, cllr Maureen McLaughlin, added: "The number of coronavirus cases in Warrington has been rapidly increasing and we must do all we can to stop the virus from spreading further.

"It will be disappointing news to many that we are going back into tier 3, but if everyone plays their part we stand a chance of reversing the trend and seeing a decline in case numbers.

"Please remember the basics – hands, face, space - and continue to follow them with rigour.

"The fewer people you come into contact with, the less chance of the virus spreading.

"And with one in three people who have Covid-19 not displaying any symptoms, it’s critical that we all keep following the rules – even if we don’t feel unwell."

The council’s director of public health, Thara Raj, said: "Although the new strain of coronavirus seems to be more concentrated in the south of the country, it is spreading across the country and government believe it is a more contagious strain.

"People will be wondering if observing the ‘hands, face, space’ approach is enough – and they are right to ask this.

"The answer, however, is yes - sticking to the basics is our best shot at getting Warrington and our communities through.

"Although help is on its way with the vaccine, the quantities are not there yet to make a difference to the spread of the virus within our communities at this point.

"So, please keep following the rules, you have all been fantastic at doing this."

The full list of ‘very high’ risk guidance, restrictions and exemptions will be updated on the council’s coronavirus page here.