PUBS will be allowed to remain open across Bolton after the borough avoided being placed under the harshest lockdown measures.

MPs representing Greater Manchester constituencies were briefed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Monday, finding out that the ten boroughs would be placed under Tier 2 restrictions, similar measures to those in place now.

Pubs, cafes, and restaurants will be allowed to stay open, but households will be banned from mixing indoors.

The confirmation came as the Government announced sweeping new controls in an attempt to stem the surge of infections, with Boris Johnson setting out his three-tier strategy in a Commons statement.

Labour shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon, elected official for Oldham West and Royton confirmed the news in a tweet.

He said: “Call with the Secretary of State (Matt Hancock) confirms Greater Manchester will be placed in Tier 2 with household restrictions on meeting indoors in any setting, but not outdoors.

“Pubs remain open. Oldham will be removed from its enhanced lockdown measures and brought into line with Greater Manchester at last.”

MP for Bolton West, Chris Green, joined the call from Euston station.

Speaking after the briefing, he welcomed the news, but feared for the future.

He said: ""Bolton has been through a very difficult time with the harshest restrictions in the country and whilst I'm relieved that we're only in tier two, this does mean that the hardship and pressure on many businesses will continue.

"As the lockdown hasn't worked anywhere in the county and the positive rest rate is still going up, my fear is that before long, perhaps the whole area will be in tier 3 just as people are planning for Christmas."

Following reports confirming the Tier 2 status, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said it was the “right decision” but called for “full financial support” to help businesses through the restrictions.

But politicians were left angry at the way the briefing had been handled, with shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy complaining of being left out.

The Wigan MP tweeted: “Just learnt Greater Manchester will be placed into Tier 2 restrictions via Twitter.

“Apparently there was a Government briefing for Greater Manchester MPs but I can’t provide details because I wasn’t invited.

“I suspect this is because they don’t know where Wigan is.

“What an absolute shambles!”

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner called the confusion “ridiculous”, posting on social media: “Can someone please get a map up on the wall in No 10 Downing Street to help them out.”

Stockport MP Navendu Mishra labelled the Government’s Covid briefing to local MPs “shambolic”.

He tweeted: “Just 21 minutes notice by Matt Hancock for his Covid-19 briefing.

“Complete disdain by this Government for all those who live and work in Greater Manchester.”