It has been announced that Preston and South Ribble are to remain in tier-3 restrictions.

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However, many are disappointed at the announcement that Lancashire will not be moving down tiers.

Read more: Preston and Lancashire due to remain in tier-3 restrictions 

Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said: “This is devastating for the region. Our businesses have been doing all they can to make sure they are sticking to the rules and making sure their businesses are Covid safe, and to remain in tier-3 over the Christmas period will truly be catastrophic for them.

“We urged Government to review the case figures and make fair choices and I don’t think this has happened.

“I’m more than disappointed that the Government are not engaging or listening to us or dealing with the real issues which is causing the virus to spread.”

Tier-3 restrictions means that hospitality venues such as restaurants and pubs are still unable to open, but non-essential shops are still open.

Read more: A ‘smaller Christmas’ urged as Preston coronavirus rate rises but South Ribble falls

Cllr Foster added: “I say this to our residents and businesses: as a Council we are behind you and we will do all we can to support you and to continue to lobby Government to change their mind.

“Let’s all do what we can now to get the rates down. Please remember hands, face, space and hopefully we will be able to reduce our tier at the next review in two weeks’ time.”

Although, Christmas rules mean that nation-wide people will be able to mix indoors with up to three other households.

These rules will be between 23-27 December, despite many calling for them to be cancelled or reduced to three days.

The latest data shows that 25,161 people tested positive for coronavirus in the UK on 16 December.

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