FEARS are growing that more strenuous restrictions on activities in Ludlow and south Shropshire are on their way as Covid cases rise.

This comes as the latest figures show that there has been a big jump in Covid-19 cases in Shropshire and neighbouring Telford and the Wrekin has been moved into tier two.

Whilst south Shropshire continues in the lowest level for the time being that could change.

During the 7-day period from October 16 to October 22, 332 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Shropshire which was an increase of 73 on the previous week.

The infection rate in the county remains at about half of the average in England with 102.7 cases per 100,000 compared with 204.6 in the West Midlands and an average of 207.2 across England.

In Shropshire the largest number of new cases were in Shrewsbury and Atcham and North Shropshire but 29 per cent were in south Shropshire.

Of particular concern for Ludlow that has a large number of older people, is the increase in the number of cases in people over the age of 70.

Age is a major risk factor in serious illness or death from the virus.

Shropshire remains in Tier One (Medium risk), under which the Rule of Six and a 10pm curfew for hospitality venues is in place.

But tougher coronavirus restrictions are now a step closer to being implemented in Shropshire due to the huge surge in the number of positive cases, say health chiefs.

If Ludlow and south Shropshire moved to level two this would put more constraints upon what people can do and be a further blow to businesses.

Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North, is asking people to make sure they do their bit.

“There is little we can do as individuals to fix some of the problems with the government response to the Covid-19 epidemic,” he said, urging people to stick to the rules ahead of a hard winter.