ST HELENS’ MPs have urged the public to “play their part” after new lockdown measures were announced in response to a steep rise in coronavirus cases.

The new restrictions will apply to all council areas across Merseyside from Tuesday, September 22.

Under the new rules, people should not socialise with others from outside their household or support bubble inside a home or private garden.

Leisure and entertainment venues including cinemas, restaurants and pubs will be required to close between 10pm and 5am and food and drink will be table service only.

Residents are also encouraged to only to use public transport for essential purposes and are advised against attending amateur or semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

“This is clearly a significant development that everyone in St Helens borough needs to take seriously,” said St Helens North MP Conor McGinn.

“The new restrictions and guidance ask people locally to make additional sacrifices to help us reverse the upward trend in rates.

“I realise this will cause huge difficulties for many local families, older and vulnerable residents, businesses and our community as a whole.

“The overwhelming majority of people have stuck to the rules and behaved responsibly, and that’s what we must keep doing to protect each other and our community.

“The information provided by Government requires further clarification before Tuesday, and I’ve asked for this today particularly around childcare, social care, working out of borough, local sporting activity and support for businesses and the hospitality industry.”

St Helens Star: Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens NorthConor McGinn, MP for St Helens North

Prior to the announcement, the Labour MP took to Twitter to put the Government on blast for the way they had communicated the new measures.

The Shadow Home Office Minister said St Helens Borough Council and key partners had been given no clarity about the Government’s plans, and said ministers must “get a grip”.

“Quite frankly, the communication and consultation from Government has not been good enough,” Mr McGinn said.

“But our local outbreak management board, led by Cllr David Baines and including senior public health, NHS and council officers, as well as Marie Rimmer MP and myself, are determined to act in the best interests of everyone in our borough, make clear decisions and provide the public with as much information as we can, as quickly as we can.”

Marie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston, also criticised the Government over its lack of communication with local leaders.

She said: “Over the past week I have met regularly with Conor McGinn MP and St Helens Borough Council, but there has been a distinct lack of communication from the Government.

“It is the same story in Knowsley where I have been in discussions with Maria Eagle MP, George Howarth MP and the local council.

“The only reason we had any idea that further measures might be coming is due to media reports and speculation.

“What the Government should have been doing is working with local councils from the start, rather than suddenly springing these measures on us.

“Lockdown measures only work if they are communicated clearly and effectively.”

St Helens Star: Marie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and WhistonMarie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston

Ms Rimmer said it is now up to the people of St Helens and Knowsley to follow the new restrictions and help drive the local infection rate down.

The Labour MP said: “These new restrictions are in place for all of our safety and we must all follow them.

“I know it will be difficult not to see loved ones, particularly as we approach the winter months when we usually spend more time inside, but we must all play our part to stop the spread of this virus.”

Mr McGinn added “Ahead of the formal introduction of these new regulations from Monday night, I’d urge everyone to be responsible and play their part from now and especially over this weekend.

“As we have shown before, together we can act to get our community through this tough time.”