Northumberland publican pleads for more Government support after decision to keep county in Tier 3

The county will remain in Tier 3 – with pubs, restaurants and cafes closed except for takeaways – following a Government review of the latest data.

Jake Castleman, owner of Curious Taverns Ltd which operates the Pig in Muck in Alnwick and the Cock & Bull in Amble, said: "For us, only Tier 1 would be worth opening for.

"It's heartbreaking to see this hospitality trade, which is so important to our country's DNA, be completely obliterated with nonsensical restrictions.

“I understand the need to prevent the spread, but the financial support for this industry simply isn't good enough, which puts many businesses in jeopardy, including the supply chain. The Government must do more.”

Latest data from Public Health England, published by Northumberland County Council, reveals the county-wide infection rate was 163.9 positive cases per 100,000 on December 15. The England-wide rate is 184.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons that a number of areas in the south and east of England would move into Tier 3 due to rising case numbers from 00.01 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Bristol and North Somerset will move into tier two and Herefordshire will move from tier two to tier one.

Several different criteria are being used to determine which areas are in which tier: case rates in all age groups, case rates in the over 60s, the rate at which cases are rising or falling, positivity rate (percentage of tests which come back positive), and pressure on the NHS.

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