TORY MPs for Teesside have said they are “frustrated” the area will remain in Tier 3 ­– saying case figures “justify” the easing of restrictions.

All of the North-East will remain in Tier 3 in the lead up the Christmas, it was confirmed today.

MPs Jacob Young and Simon Clarke have issued a statement saying they are disappointed by the decision.

They were criticised earlier this week for pushing for restrictions to be eased amid fears about how the NHS will cope in the New Year. 

While the number of new cases has been falling in Redcar and Hartlepool, they are rising in Darlington, Middlesbrough and Stockton.

Four of the five local authorities have higher than average cases, with only Redcar and Cleveland below.

What are the case numbers? (Total cases in seven days to December 11)

Darlington: 211

Rolling rate: 197.6

 

Stockton: 335

Rolling rate: 169.8

 

Hartlepool: 208

Rolling rate: 222.1

 

Middlesbrough: 292

Rolling rate: 207.1

 

Redcar: 189

Rolling rate: 137.8

 

Following the announcement, Redcar MP Mr Young said: "I am incredibly disappointed and frustrated that we are not being separated from the rest of the Tees Valley when our numbers justify us being placed into Tier 2.

"People across Redcar and Cleveland have worked incredibly hard to get the virus down. 

"But now we are where we are, I urge everyone to keep doing what we're doing. It is working to bring infections down. 

"Let's be sensible at Christmas and look towards the next review." 

Mr Young, along with Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Mr Clarke, were criticised this week after issuing statements calling for the area to be put in Tier 2, amid fears about how health services will cope after Christmas.

And last week, Labour MPs Andy McDonald, Alex Cunningham and Mike Hill urged against a relaxation of rules fearing the NHS would be overwhelmed in the New Year due to rising rates.

Mr Clarke said: "It is of course disappointing news that we remain in Tier 3. 

"But the most important thing now is that we stick by the rules that are designed to keep ourselves and others safe.

"The Tees Valley has made huge strides over the last month and if this progress continues, we will need to revisit the question at the next review point in two weeks. 

"Meanwhile families across the area can enjoy the special rules for Christmas between 23 and 27 December. 

"We are entitled to a brief moment of respite - but every family should think carefully about what is appropriate for their particular circumstances. 

“A major opportunity - let’s not blow it.”

Last night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned people that they should “exercise extreme caution” when mixing with households over Christmas.