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

Along with much of the north of England, the county 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, but non-elite sport is not permitted under Tier 4 restrictions.

It means the football and rugby union clubs in our region who were aiming to get back on the pitch soon will have to put those plans on hold.

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.