TEES Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has explained why the region's five councils have not pushed for extra lockdown restrictions - despite some areas remaning on a Government watch list.

Middlesbrough and Hartlepool are among those placed on a national watch list last week due to concern over the rising numbers of coronavirus cases.

However, despite councils in the wider North-East asking the Government to impose tighter lockdown restrictions, the five councils that make up the Tees Valley Combined Authority have made no such request.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen explained: “Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton are not included in the local lockdown that has been announced by Matt Hancock today, but we have been given a final warning of the consequences if we don’t follow the rules.

“The five local authorities' views were sought on whether they should be included in a potential lockdown, and it was the very strong opinion of the five leaders that they should not be on the basis that the number of coronavirus cases remains relatively under control across the Tees Valley at present.

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A deserted Darlington town centre during the height of lockdown Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

“With the introduction of the rule of six, the local councils wanted to give people the opportunity to follow the rules and hopefully allow the number of cases to stabilise and then drop.

"The Government will be keeping a close eye on the Tees Valley, and we must realise that if the numbers continue to go in the wrong direction, tighter restrictions will be imposed.

“I urge everyone to follow the rules, socially distance and wash your hands, and do all you can to avoid the same restrictions that we’ve seen further north being extended to our area."

Councillor Kevin Nicholson, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Health and Housing, said: “Although the additional restrictions that have been announced do not cover Darlington, it is now absolutely critical that everyone in the borough continues to observe social distancing.

"The rule of six is so important, whilst also remembering our hands, face and space.

“Our neighbouring authorities are seeing increases in cases and increases in local outbreaks.

"The picture in Darlington in less severe, however we are continuing to monitor the situation very closely and we will update the public should anything change.

"We are monitoring the situation in those neighbouring areas where restrictions have enhanced and we will continue to keep the situation in Darlington under constant review.

“In the meantime, we must all do our bit to control the spread of the virus and keep Darlington on the right track.”

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Councillor Kevin Nicholson, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Health and Housing

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council said: “We’ve all seen the news about the restrictions being put in place in the north of the region.

“Although our case numbers aren’t as high we are tracking our position closely each day.

"The national problems with the testing system mean we may yet see another increase coming through as the figures are updated in the coming days.

“We need everybody to act now and follow the rules to ensure stricter restrictions aren’t needed here.”

Councillor Cook, who is also Chair of the Borough’s Local Outbreak Engagement Group (LOEG), continued: “Now is the time to follow the rules stringently as that’s the only way we can flatten the spike of cases in the borough.

“Remember to stick to the ‘rule of six’ and don’t socialise with any more than six people indoors or outdoors. Keep two metres or more from anyone not in your household.

“If you have symptoms, stay at home and book a test – but only book a test if you have symptoms.

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Middlesbrough's Albert Park shut during national lockdown

"If you are told to self-isolate, then self-isolate. If you test positive and you’re asked for details by Test and Trace, give them as much as you can so they can alert others.

“Remember basics like hand washing, social distancing and face coverings.

“And remember – social distancing is just as critical when you’re on a break at work, travelling to and from work and if you’re out socialising.”

Councillor Karen King, Deputy Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said:“Covid rates around Redcar and Cleveland are currently reported as being lower than in other parts of the North East.

"On that basis we don’t believe we require new restrictions at this moment in time, especially if people stick to the updated guidelines including the newly implemented ‘rule of six’.

"But what is happening with enhanced restrictions being implemented only a short drive from here acts as a clear warning to all.

"The government is also monitoring our situation closely. We are being extremely cautious and would urge everyone to do the same.

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Councillor Karen King, Deputy Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council

"Restrictions would be damaging for our local economy and people’s mental health so by doing the basics such as washing our hands, covering our face and making space we can all play our part in stopping the spread and protecting the most vulnerable.

"Anyone who develops Covid symptoms should isolate along with those they live with and people with Covid symptoms must book a free test.”