LOCAL MP Mark Logan has said that 'Bolton needs to be vaccinated ASAP' in order to not return to a new lockdown.

The Bolton North East MP said in a video published online that he has spoken to Health Secretary Matt Hancock regarding his concerns over the coronavirus infections rates in Bolton.

The town continues to have the second highest infection rate in the country.

Mr Logan said in the video posted today: "Over 120 per 100,000 infection rate for Covid in Bolton - I'm sure you have seen the numbers as well.

"I have just spoken with the Secretary of State, Matt Hancock, about making sure that Bolton, our town, gets vaccinated as quickly as possible.

"We do not want to see a return to the lockdown that we have had over the last year.

"I am calling on the Secretary of State and everyone involved to make sure that we can get the whole of Bolton vaccinated as quickly as possible."

Mr Logan further added that "Bolton needs to be vaccinated ASAP" and called the infection rates and detection of the Indian variant of the virus "deeply worrying."

Surge testing has been deployed in Bolton after a cluster of cases of the variant first identified in India was detected in the borough.

People living or working in the BL3 postcode area have been urged to get tested, even if they do not have symptoms.

Everyone is being urged to continue to wash hands, were a face covering, maintain social distance and take up the vaccine when offered - as well as following the rules to contain the virus, including not mixing bubbles indoors.

Today, Mr Hancock welcomed analysis showing two doses of the Pfizer vaccine can cut the risk of death and serious illness by an estimated 97% and 93% respectively.

He said: “Excellent new data from @PHE_uk shows that two doses of the Pfizer vaccine cuts your risk of dying of Covid-19 by 97%.

"This is further evidence that vaccines are working & help us out of the pandemic. When you get the call, get the jab.”