Burnham thinks easing of restrictions in northern towns is "illogical"

Mayor of Greater Manchester criticises the easing of COVID-19 rules in northern England as "completely illogical".

Andy Burnham said that the move meant areas with rising cases had no restrictions while other regions with fewer cases were not restriction-free.

He said: "Overnight we've had restrictions released from two boroughs where we've got a rising number of cases - in one case in the red zone - and neighbouring boroughs are still under restrictions but with much lower numbers of cases".

This comes as measures were eased overnight in Trafford, Bolton, Stockport, Burnley, Hyndburn and parts of Bradford and Calderdale, despite concerns raised by local councils.

Central government rules now allow people living in these areas to socialise indoors or in private gardens in groups of up to two households, to stay in someone else's home whilst maintaining social distance.

People in these areas can also visit places such as casinos, bowling alleys and soft play centres.

Mr Burnham urged residents in these areas to "continue to follow the guidance" and not have gatherings in their homes with people from other households.

Bolton currently has the highest rates of new cases recorded per 100,000 residents in England.

The government's decision to ease the restrictions in some of these northern towns and cities was based on data showing a reduction in recorded cases. However, this data showed figures from the 13th - 20th of August. Andrew Western, Labour leader of Trafford Council, said that more recent data shows a "slight increase" of cases.

Data released yesterday showed that there were over 35 cases per 100,000 from the 22nd - 29th of August in Trafford. And in Bolton, there were 59 cases per 100,000 people, with a high number of cases recorded on the 27th, 28th and 29th of August.