TWELVE neighbourhoods across the borough have seen a rise in coronavirus cases over the last week.

Despite new figures revealing a drop in the total number of infections across Bolton, 12 of the 35 areas have seen cases increase recently.

Between December 2 and 8, 423 infections were recorded across the borough.

The week before, 545 new cases were seen – with seven areas seeing infection rates rise.

Now, 12 of the borough neighbourhoods have reported a rise – including Farnworth North, the area reporting the fewest number of cases the week before.

Little Lever is currently topping the case table, after 25 new infections were seen from residents during this time.

The area also saw the biggest increase, with cases nearly doubling from last week's 14.

Heaton and Deane, and Central Bolton followed closely behind, with 23 and 22 new cases respectively.

Harwood was the only area in the top ten hotspots that saw a drop in new cases – with infections down to 19, from 23.

Smithills saw 18 new cases, whilst 17 residents of Hall I' th' Wood tested positive for covid-19.

Farnworth North had the biggest position change – jumping from the bottom of the table, to the ninth highest number of new cases.

The area reported 13 new infections, up significantly from the three new cases seen the week before.

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.

All 35 of Bolton’s neighbourhoods have now reported three or more infections of the virus every week for over a month and a half.