STRICTER coronavirus restrictions will remain in effect across Bolton after yet another government U-turn.

Yesterday afternoon, Bolton Council called for restrictions to remain in effect after a "sudden and concerning" rise in cases.

The town bounded up the infection rate table, with the latest data showing Bolton has an infection rate of 66.6 cases per 100,000 people as of August 30.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said: “Following a significant change in the level of infection rates over the last few days, a decision has been taken that Bolton and Trafford will now remain under existing restrictions.

“This decision has been made in collaboration with local leaders after reviewing the latest data. We continually monitor outbreaks across the country, and have seen infection rates increase more than three times in Bolton in under a week, and double in Trafford since the last review.

“We have always been clear we will take swift and decisive action where needed to contain outbreaks. We can bring the rates down if we continue to work together and I urge everyone to continue to play their part by following the rules – get tested if you have symptoms, self-isolate and practice social distancing.”

No guidance was issued from central government acknowledging the need for restrictions to remain, leading to confusion over what rules were in effect across the borough.

This morning, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham called the lifting of restrictions "completely illogical", and urged people to continue to follow the guidance and avoid meeting people in the home.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he said: “We find ourselves at a completely unsustainable position this morning – that’s the politest way I can put it.

“Overnight we’ve had restrictions released in two boroughs where we’ve got a rising number of cases – in one case in the red zone.

“And neighbouring boroughs are still under restrictions but with much lower numbers of cases.

“These restrictions were always hard to explain to the public but they are completely illogical now.”

After an emergency discussion yesterday, health chiefs urged the government to maintain current restrictions in Bolton.