LOCAL sport is set to grind to a halt once again with the news that Warrington is being moved to Tier 4 Covid restrictions.

Along with much of the north of England, Warrington was placed under the toughest curbs today in an attempt to suppress rising rates of Covid-19 from one minute past midnight tomorrow.

Elite sport is allowed to continue so Warrington Wolves’ return to pre-season training in January is set to remain unaffected, but non-elite sport is not permitted under Tier 4 restrictions.

It means the likes of Warrington Town and Warrington Rylands must once again put plans to resume their league campaigns on hold, with training sessions also banned.

The North West Counties Football League have already confirmed an immediate, indefinite suspension of fixtures while the Northern Premier League says it will update clubs on the action it will take next week.

> More on the suspension of NWCFL fixtures here

Both sides have not played a league match since before the national lockdown in November, with their only action in cup games.

Rylands are due to travel to Shildon in the FA Vase on January 9, but the FA have said the competition is under review amid the new restrictions.

The exception to the rule, however, is youth sport - organised sport for under 18s is permitted to continue even in Tier 4 areas.

Here are the Tier 4 rules for sport and physical activity:

Indoor gyms and sports facilities will close. Outdoor sports courts, outdoor gyms, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, archery/driving/shooting ranges, riding centres and playgrounds can remain open for individual exercise, and for people to use with others within your household, support bubble, or with one person from another household. Organised outdoor sport for under 18s and disabled people will be allowed.