A NORTH-EAST MP has said he will push for the Tees Valley, including Darlington, to be placed under less stringent Covid measures following a fall in the infection rate.

Darlington MP Peter Gibson has said he will urge the Government to place the Tees Valley under Tier 2 restrictions, instead of Tier 3.

Such rules would see pubs, cafes and restaurants allowed to reopen and the mixing of other households outdoors permitted.

Currently all hospitality venues in our region must remain closed, except when providing takeaway services, and households are not allowed to mix in 'any' indoor spaces or at most outdoor venues.

On social media, Mr Gibson said: "Covid rates are beginning to fall across the Tees Valley and with news of a vaccine and more local testing, I’ll be pushing to get us out for Tier 3 when we’re up for review."

Mr Gibson's comments come as the first review into local lockdown restrictions will take place on December 16, and then be reviewed weekly.

SEE MORE: This is when North-East local lockdown restrictions will be reviewed

Latest Public Health England data, published on December 4, shows that the Covid infection rate in Darlington is continuing to see a fall.

In the seven days to November 28, there were 270 confirmed cases - this is 61 cases below the previous week.

Once the first review into local lockdown restrictions has commenced, it is understood that measures in the North-East will be decided by each Combined Authority area.

It means Darlington, Hartlepool and Teesside - which falls under the Tees Valley Combined Authority - will likely see uniformed restrictions.

While in County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland, Northumberland, North and South Tyneside - which is under the North East Combined Authority - the same rules are likely to apply.