The non-essential travel ban to Scotland will stay in place for Blackburn with Darwen, despite it being lifted in Bolton, Manchester and Salford, ministers north of the border have said.

The Scottish Government announced its policy would change following a review of the data, however people from Blackburn and Darwen remain banned from visiting the country without a permitted reason.

The borough still has one of the highest Covid infection rates in the country although it has consistently fallen over several days.

Scotland’s Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf, said: “Nobody wants travel restrictions in place for any longer than is absolutely necessary.

“Placing restrictions on travel between Scotland and parts of north west England was only taken after extremely careful consideration and analysis of data to help prevent the spread of variants of concern. Following a careful review of the data we have decided to ease travel arrangements between Scotland and Manchester, Salford and Bolton.

“However, the situation regarding Blackburn and Darwen will need to be closely monitored and will be reviewed again in a week’s time.”

The travel ban means that travel to and from Blackburn with Darwen is only allowed for permitted reasons which include going to work or looking after someone vulnerable.

The latest follows a dispute between First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham over the Covid rules, which came into effect on June 21.

Mr Burnham said the ban was disproportionate and the Scottish Government had behaved disrespectfully.

Talks took place between the two sides last week and we reportedly quite heated.