RESIDENTS in Cheshire will still not be allowed to cross the border into Wales, despite a planned relaxing of Covid lockdown measures on both sides of the border.

New rules are coming into effect over the next few days which will allow people in Wales and people in England to travel more freely.

In Wales, the current 'stay local' rule will be replaced by an interim all-Wales travel area on Saturday, March 27, which will remain in place until April 12, subject to the public health situation.

It means self-contained holiday accommodation, including hotels with en-suite facilities and room service, will be able to reopen to people from the same household or support bubble.

In addition, the rules will be relaxed to enable organised outdoor activities and sports for children and under-18s to take place, and up to six people from two different households to meet and exercise outdoors.

In England, the current 'stay home' rule will be lifted and replaced by 'stay local' guidance on Monday, March 29, which will allow residents to make local journeys. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.

Outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either six people (the Rule of 6) or two households will also be allowed, and outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

But travel in and out of Wales will still not be permitted, apart from those needing to cross the border for a reasonable excuse, such as work, seeing someone in a support/care bubble, or for essential shopping.

First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed it was planned for cross-border travel to resume from April 12, allowing people to travel in and out of Wales.

As reported on our sister title The Leader, The Welsh Government announced on Thursday night (March 25) that for the next two weeks, only those with a reasonable excuse, such as work, will be able to travel into or out of Wales.

Levels of Covid are currently proportionally less in Wales than in England, which is why residents in Wales will have more travel freedom.

April 12 is expected to see more Covid restrictions relaxed in both England and Wales, depending on if the Covid infection rates continue to be under control.

The ongoing confusion over differing Covid rules on either side of the border has led to frustrations expressed by councillors.

Saltney Stonebridge Cllr Veronica Gay told the Leader: "I can go five miles from my home but if I go to the end of my road I’m in England, and in a different set of rules.

“6,000 people live in my town and they are all having to work out what the latest is all the time.

“People do come over the border – should we really be putting pressure on our police to ask where people are coming from and where they’re going? It can’t be done.

“Politicians really need to think about people work, day to day – and it’s not about politics, the common sense seems to have disappeared.

“There’s still resentment and confusion because people don’t know what to do. You end up doing nothing, hiding away.

“My personal view is that I can’t see us up and running like normal again before the autumn.

“I know that’s pessimistic, because I want to get out and about too.

“I have family in England and I can’t get near them. I do despair sometimes.”