A COUNTY councillor has asked residents to stay at home as much as possible following a spike in coronavirus cases in east Tynedale.

Prudhoe South and Prudhoe North were the second and third worst affected council wards in Northumberland between December 22 and December 29, according to Northumberland County Council's figures.

Prudhoe South recorded 42 cases - a rate of 746 per 100,000 - while Prudhoe North had 34 cases confirmed, a rate of 633 cases per 100,00 residents.

Coun. Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, urged residents to adhere to the expert advice.

He said: "The latest vaccine announcement is welcomed, but the movement into tier 4 is something no one wanted to hear. However, with the level of positive cases remaining high in Tynedale it should not have come as a surprise'

"We know that this is a very difficult time for so many people, but ask that they stay at home as much as practicable & always adhere to the expert advice.

"This is a killer virus and it must be eradicated. We receive regular updates from senior health officials and are able to ask questions about specific areas of concern.

"I campaigned for a testing station in Tynedale and since this has been up and running it has proved to be a huge benefit to residents and the health officials dealing with the crisis."

Coun. Stewart also directed the public to the two dedicated teams set up by the county council.

He added: "Communities together is doing a great job supporting our residents to kept safe and well throughout this crisis, and provide coordination to support individual volunteers, voluntary groups and communities across our county. They can be contacted on 01670 620015

"Our businesses are vitally important to our county. a Business Hub with a specialist team work hard to support businesses and can be contacted via email at businesshub@northumberland.gov.uk."