Biddulph, and indeed the rest of Staffordshire, will remain in the highest tier of Coronavirus restrictions following the Government's latest review.

It has been revealed today that the area will stay in the Tier 3 'Very High' level of restrictions - the same tier that has been in place for Biddulph since the end of the second national lockdown over two weeks ago.

The tiers are reviewed every two weeks, meaning that the next review should come just before the New Year.

Infection rates in the county have been falling in recent weeks, with the latest seven-day infection rates hovering around 200 cases per 100,000 of the population, but the county will remain in Tier 3 despite this.

Biddulph Nub News reported previously how council leaders across Staffordshire wrote to the Prime Minister to appeal against prolonging the county's placement in Tier 3 of Covid-19 restrictions, saying the restrictions are causing severe damage to the local hospitality and tourism sector.

While Moorlands MP Karen Bradley said in a recent column that she would try and get the area moved into Tier 2 if infection rates came down.

Here is a reminder of the restrictions for Tier 3 areas:

• Households will not be allowed to mix indoors or outdoors in private gardens or hospitality venues.

• The 'Rule of Six' will apply outdoors in public spaces.

• Pubs and restaurants will be closed except for takeaway and delivery.

• Indoor entertainment venues will be closed, only drive-in events allowed.

• Guidance against travelling outside the area

• Schools will remain open.

• Weddings and Civil Ceremonies allowed 15 guests, but receptions not allowed

• Up to 30 people allowed at funerals.

• Outdoor sport can recommence; indoor sport is only permissible with members of one household.

The UK Government has also announced special rules for the festive period.

The new rules will mean that between December 22 and 28 three households will be allowed to mix indoors in a temporary 'Christmas Bubble.'

For an explanation on the special Christmas rules, click here.