FIGURES released by the government have shown how the covid-19 infections reported in each area have changed – with Springfield and Great Lever still topping the table for the highest infections.

The Bolton neighbourhood is the worst-hit area in the borough, with 43 residents testing positive for the virus between September 27 and October 3.

This is the highest number of infections recorded in a single area, and has risen sharply from the 31 new cases seen two weeks before.

Lever Edge has the second-highest number of new infections, at 39, whilst Halliwell and Brownlow Fold saw 35 residents test positive.

The data has been extracted from a map, which uses figures from Public Health England to detail each confirmed case of coronavirus by Middle Super Output Area, sections of around 7,200 people.

By October 5, 722 new cases had been confirmed in people tested during the week to October 3.

All 35 of Bolton's neighbourhoods have now reported three or more infections of the virus, just over a month after Little Lever was the most infectious area with six new cases.

Several areas have seen drops in the last fortnight, including Kearsley and Stoneclough, and Lostock and Ladybridge – both former table toppers.

Kearsley and Stoneclough is currently reporting 24 new cases, down from 30 a fortnight ago, whilst Lostock and Ladybridge is down to 18 new infections, from 44.