CHESHIRE West and Chester Council leader Louise Gittins says the authority was not consulted or given prior notice over the Government's decision to move the borough into Tier 4 restrictions.

She has described yesterday's announcement as "clearly disappointing" but urged residents to follow the rules and help bring down the coronavirus infection rate again.

The decision to move the borough into the toughest level of Covid-19 measures came just days after the borough had been moved up into Tier 3.

The Tier 4 (Stay at Home) restrictions came into force today.

More than three quarters of England’s population now fall into this category.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said, "This latest news is clearly disappointing, although we have a duty to act in the best interests of our residents.

"We now must stay at home except for specific reasons such as work, outdoor exercise or medical care. We realise that as well as affecting all of us individually, many of our businesses will be hit hard.

"The announcement was not subject to prior notice or consultation with the Council, but we will be working with a range of local organisations and the government to get assistance to those that need it.

"We must follow these rules to slow the spread, protect the NHS and save lives. As we roll out the vaccine, it would be an even greater tragedy if we don’t follow the rules and we lose more lives that in a few months could be saved.

"We will all need to pull together once again. We’ve brought the infection rate down before, and we can do it again."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK must redouble its efforts to fight coronavirus, and that “no-one regrets these measures more bitterly than I do” but insisted that “firm” action was needed to control the pandemic.