A Southend MP has "grave reservations" about the town being moved into a higher tier of coronavirus restrictions.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, is set against the seafront town moving into Tier two and following Essex County Council in requesting a move up the Government's tier system.

He has said he is "very glad" Southend is independent from the county council and is not part of their request to Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary.

John Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, fully supported the move into a high tier.

If Essex County Council's bid was approved, Thurrock and Southend would have different restrictions to those in the rest of the county.

The two authorities may be forced to implement Tier two restrictions.

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Sir David said: ‘I am in close contact with the Director of Public Health for Southend and with the council both of whom are behaving extremely responsibly throughout this crisis.

"Whilst I understand all the arguments in favour of further restrictions I am very glad that we are not bound by Essex County Council’s request.

"There is no doubt at all that moving into Tier two has adverse financial consequences on local businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector. 

"I have also had many representations that the 10pm rule is in many senses encouraging gatherings to take place after the establishments have closed, which have resulted in the spread of infection.

"At this moment in time I  have grave reservations about Southend being moved into a higher tier."