BOLTON will be placed in "Tier 2" lockdown restrictions when the new coronavirus alert system launches on Wednesday.

The borough is currently set to be placed at a "high" alert level, meaning pubs will stay open, and household mixing will be banned indoors.

Under the new restrictions, Bolton could actually see measures eased slightly, as current guidance does not ban household mixing within gardens, something which is currently prohibited in the borough.

MP for Bolton West Chris Green welcomed the news that the borough's hospitality firms could remain open, but expressed concerns about 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."

Areas under the medium level alert will use existing national measures, meaning that the virus spread in those areas is in line with other areas.

Those under a high alert level will need additional measures to be put into place to prevent the situation from worsening, whilst those deemed to be "very high" alert need urgent action to stop the NHS from experiencing "intolerable pressure areas".

Although Bolton is currently set to be listed as a Tier 2 area, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hinted that further areas – including Greater Manchester – could be added to the Tier 3 list, as local leaders are currently resisting the stricter measures.

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference on Monday evening, Mr Johnson said: "It’s absolutely correct to say we’re working with local authorities across the country but particularly with those badly affected regions that everybody knows about in the North West and the North East, Yorkshire, Humber and so on, trying to work with them to support a collective package of measures.

“The offer is there to all local leaders who are facing problems, big increases in the infection rates, we’ll help to support more local test and trace, more local enforcement and so on.

“We stand ready to work with local government at all levels but clearly as national Government we have to think about our primary duty, which is to save lives and to protect the NHS and we will also do whatever we think is necessary over the next few days and weeks.

“If we can’t get agreement, then clearly it is the duty of national Government to take the necessary action to protect the public and public health and we will.”

Areas deemed to be on very high alert will have their status reviewed every four weeks.

Most areas have been listed under medium alert, with those places under local restrictions moved up to high alert, alongside Nottinghamshire, East and West Cheshire and a small area of High Peak.

The Liverpool City region is currently the only area on a "very high" alert level, and faces the toughest local lockdown restrictions in England.