The leader of Cheshire East Council has said he is "deeply disappointed" at the news the borough will be moved to Tier 3.

The change will apply from one minute past midnight, in the early hours of Boxing Day.

Until then tier 2 restrictions, and the special conditions for Christmas Day, apply.

The key changes will mean:

â— Pubs restaurants and bars can only open for takeaways;

â— No spectators at sporting events; and

â— People are advised not to move to and from tier three areas.

Responding to the government's decision to move Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington into tier 3, the council leaders said: "We are deeply disappointed to see the recent acceleration of rates of infection across Cheshire, and the impact on our local NHS.

"Our communities and businesses have played their part in avoiding tier 3 restrictions up to this point and we want to pay tribute to them, and to our local public health teams, for their amazing dedication and commitment.

"While we agree that additional restrictions have become necessary, the government's decision to implement them at this time will have a devastating impact on our hospitality businesses and their employees. We therefore call on the government to provide additional support for those affected and the local resources we need to turn this situation around as quickly as possible.

"The councils will continue to do all we can to support our communities at this challenging time."

The Council deputy leader, Cllr Craig Browne has called on government ministers to provide greater support to local businesses.

Dr Matt Tyrer, Cheshire East's director of public health, said: "We have been seeing a worrying increase in infection rates across the borough and neighbouring areas. News of the new variant Covid virus is a real concern.

"It is clear that we need to take urgent action to slow the rate of infections to allow local testing and contact tracing and the vaccination programme to work – to slow and ultimately stop the virus.

"We know what will work – if we do not get close to other people, the virus can't spread. Hand, face space has never been more important."

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, added: "I'd like to thank everyone for their efforts to reduce infections and for the changes and sacrifices people and businesses have made. However, it is clear that we all need to do more to beat the virus and prevent our health and care services being overwhelmed."

Visit the government website for full details of tier 3 restrictions at: gov.uk/guidance/tier-3.