LANCASHIRE will remain under tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands.

Multiple local sources say that they have been advised that there will be no change to the regulations, which will now remain in place – other than for a five-day Christmas window – through until the new year.

This news has not come as a surprise for East Lancashire leaders after Blackburn with Darwen's public health director Professor Dominic Harrison and his Lancashire counterpart Dr. Sakthi Karunanithi said yesterday that it was unlikely that the county would be moved into tier two.

Speaking before the announcement, Labour MP for Blackburn Kate Hollern said: "The infection rate in Blackburn fell dramatically over the lockdown period which is testament to the sheer hard work of the vast majority in sticking to the rules.

"Sadly we're not there yet: the infection rate is still higher than the national average, so I accept Lancashire is unlikely to move across to tier two. I am hopeful that if the downward trend continues Blackburn will be in a good position to make the case for easing restrictions."

This means hospitality venues will continue to be restricted to takeaway service only and household mixing in all indoor and most outdoor settings will remain banned.

Lancashire County Council’s director of public health last week recommended that the area should remain in tier 3 however, his counterpart in Blackpool had called for the resort to be moved down to tier 2.

It is understood that no area of the North West will move tiers. The government review of the system is expected to be announced shortly.