MP Siobhan Baillie says it is "disappointing" that Stroud will be under Tier 2 restrictions once lockdown ends.

MP for Stroud, Ms Baillie said she "naturally wanted us to be in Tier 1" but that she understands why the district has been placed in Tier 2.

The Conservative MP said: “I am disappointed Stroud will go into Tier 2 with the rest of Gloucestershire following the end of Lockdown on 2nd December.

“I naturally wanted us to be in Tier 1 but I do understand the constituency is not isolated and cases have risen. With Bristol so close and suffering a much higher infection rate and the majority of the country in Tier 2, it is clear that this is the way forward for now.

“However, I will be constantly in touch with the local director of public health and with government ministers so I am fully informed on how Gloucestershire is doing.

“If the infection figures show improvement, and if there is agreement locally, I will certainly be looking to make the case for Stroud to be put back into Tier 1 as soon as possible and seeing if restrictions can be altered where necessary.

“Tier 2 means we can get back to a little more normality and it’s important our shops and some hospitality can now reopen in the run-up to Christmas. This could be the difference between our traders going under or surviving. I urge everyone to buy locally if they can. Amazon does not need our money but local entrepreneurs, plus our pubs and restaurants do.

“I share some of the frustrations over these restrictions. I also understand it will be a challenge to meet up only with six others only outdoors because of the time of year, but we must bear it because it will help save lives.

"There is real hope a vaccine will arrive soon and that life can return to normal by the spring. Until then, I know the good people of Stroud will do all they can to keep the virus at bay over the winter and I thank everyone for all they are doing."