THE leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council wants more support for the borough to prevent further coronavirus restrictions.

Both Cheshire West and East boroughs were confirmed as tier two areas by the Government on Monday, meaning they have a high alert level for Covid-19 infection.

It means that new lockdown measures are set to come into force across the two boroughs on Wednesday.

While accepting the new measures are a ‘necessary step, Cllr Louise Gittins believes more resources should be handed to CWAC to prevent them becoming a ‘stepping stone’ to harsher rules.

The council leader said: “With a heavy heart, I support these regulations as a necessary step to keep the rate of infections under control, protect the health of our communities and help take the pressure off our schools, NHS, care settings and key workers.

“However, the new restrictions have been imposed without any further clarity on the funding and powers that we requested to support our response.

READ > What Cheshire’s new coronavirus restrictions mean for you

“We cannot allow this to be a stepping stone to even more restrictions. To turn this around we will continue to make the case for further financial support and more responsibility for local testing, contact tracing, enforcement and support to our businesses.

“We expect these restrictions to be in place for the foreseeable future, or until the infection rate reduces, and we will keep residents and local businesses informed about any further changes in the future.”

MPs will vote today, October 13, to adopt the new rules from tomorrow.

Across Cheshire West and East boroughs, they will mean a new ban on households mixing indoors, but the rule of six will continue to apply outdoors and hospitality businesses will remain open.

Ian Ashworth, director of public health for Cheshire West, said: “We recognise that residents have come a long way since March.

Northwich Guardian:

“Many have adapted to a new way of life and are following the public health guidelines.

“This new ruling preventing household mixing is necessary to reduce the spread of the virus and we encourage everyone to play their part for their community by remaining in their own household and support bubble.”

Residents are reminded to continue washing their hands regularly, covering their faces where required and keeping physical distance from people outside their household.

Call 119 or visit gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test if you have coronavirus symptoms or to book a test.

For more information about the restrictions call CWAC on 0300 123 8123.