The leader of Bolton’s Labour group has responded to David Greenhalgh’s comments regarding the reopening of the pubs, bars and restaurants.

On Tuesday, Cllr Greenhalgh issued a statement calling for the hospitality restrictions across the borough to be brought in line with the rest of the country.

Cllr Nick Peel said: “I would ask that Cllr Greenhalgh exercises extreme caution before he makes these kind of announcements.

“After reading what he has said, his wish to see pubs reopening fully seems to be based only on having a uniform system of restrictions in England.

“This is simply not a good enough reason, whilst Bolton remains a unique case.

“The hospitality sector in Bolton was effectively closed down by the Government because there was ample evidence that pubs played a major role in the rapid spread of the virus in this borough.

“The latest data shows that Bolton is still the worst infected place in Britain, and the figures remain worryingly high.

“Nothing has changed since then, and easing restrictions too early could have devastating consequences.

“The last time Cllr Greenhalgh called for easing of restrictions, the infection rate went through the roof and we ended up with more restrictions.

“He is playing a very dangerous game by making these types of calls, without the benefit of the health data to back him up, which it does not.

“This is a difficult time for many businesses in Bolton, but Cllr Greenhalgh should be seeking financial help for these businesses instead of throwing the dice in a gamble in the hope that cases do not carry on rising.”