How's the North Tyneside travel ban to be implemented? Liberal Democrats call for confusion to be cleared up

"The sudden announcement that non-essential travel in and out of North Tyneside is no longer recommended is sudden and unexpected," says Cllr Nick Cott, the Leader of the Opposition for the Liberal Democrats on Newcastle City Council.

"It raises concerns about how this can be practically implemented given that Newcastle and North Tyneside are so closely linked. There is so little time to prepare.

"We also call upon the MPs for north of the Tyne to press the Government about the shockingly casual way in which the news filtered out without proper, direct and urgent communications with local people. As a result, there has been no time for the local authorities to prepare, and confusion reigns about the new rules

"It is a reminder that the pandemic crisis is not yet over and we all need to stay safe. We hope North Tyneside is able to overcome the spike in cases quickly. In the meantime, we urge everyone to maintain safe social distancing and continue to observe public health guidance."