RESIDENTS have been urged to “play their part” to avoid full local lockdown measures being put in place across the borough.

A rising rate of coronavirus infections across the borough sparked stricter measures put into place by Bolton Council on Saturday.

Now, officials are urging people to follow the latest rules – or risk ending up in a Leicester-style lockdown.

Cllr Linda Thomas, the Mayor of Bolton, said: "The situation we've found ourselves in in Bolton means every single person needs to heed the warnings – even if you think it's not going to affect you.

"Even though it may be difficult, we need to listen to the advice given by our public health team, they're excellent and have always steered us in just stead in the past.

"In a few weeks time we could see figures that put us back in lockdown measures like we had nationally in March or those more recently in Leicester, lets not end up like they did in Leicester, no one wants that."

On Saturday, Bolton Council urged residents to avoid non-essential travel on public transport and to avoid mixing with other households at all.

An additional warning was issued to younger people, who have accounted for most of the newest cases with over 90 per cent of infections recorded in those aged 18-49.

Cllr Thomas added: "I hope young people do listen to the warnings, a lot of people are going back to school or uni and wanting to socialise but you could end up being a carrier and taking the virus home to granny or grandpa.

"We all need to take care of each other and look out for each other – lets think about others and protect those around us as much as we protect ourselves.

"It's time for people of all ages to do what they can to protect others across the borough."

The latest measures came after the government was forced to U-turn on lifting coronavirus restrictions in the borough when over 60 people tested positive for covid-19 in one day, sending the borough's infection rate to the highest in Greater Manchester.

Last Wednesday, September 2, should have seen people across the borough reunited with family and friends from different households inside private homes or gardens for the first time since the end of July.

However, a record number of transmissions across the borough means that all meetings between households have been banned, and casinos, beauty parlours, and indoor play areas must remain closed for the foreseeable future.

The Bolton News: Mark Logan, MP for Bolton North EastMark Logan, MP for Bolton North East

Mark Logan, MP for Bolton North East, added to the calls, expressing his concern at the latest figures. 

He said: "We must do everything we can to avoid a Leicester situation here in Bolton.  

"I understand the frustrations of Boltonians given the hope generated from lower figures reported little over a week ago.

"This is a clear reflection of just how unpredictable this deadly virus is.

"I must urge Boltonians to adhere to social distancing measures in order to get our town going in the right direction once again.”