BARROW'S MP has called for common sense to prevail, as a considerable number of Furness pubs and restaurants are set to reopen for the first time in more than three months.

Hairdressers, entertainment venues and places of worship are also permitted to reopen, following the Government's most-recent relaxation of its lockdown restrictions.

Number 10 has come under criticism this week over its slowness in providing and acting on community testing data, as well as being accused of encouraging reckless behaviour as Britons return to the pubs for the first time in months.

In light of this, Simon Fell pleaded with his constituents not to 'undo' several months' worth of hard work containing the virus this weekend.

He said: “I want people to go out and enjoy themselves in our fantastic local restaurants, pubs and bars that we have here, but please be sensible.

"It’s vital that everyone still sticks to the social distancing rules outlined by the Government and don’t meet up in large groups.

“The last three months since the lockdown was imposed on March 23 have been tough for everyone and I would like to thank everyone across the constituency for sticking to the rules, so we can beat this terrible virus.

“We’ve all pulled together; our community response has been remarkable. It’s vital that all of our work is not undone.”

Earlier this week, the Government imposed a local lockdown in Leicester, where a spike in Coronavirus infections has been experienced.

Mr Fell cautioned against similar measures having to be taken in Barrow and the broader Furness area, should a disregard for social distancing and other forms of public health guidance - among other potential factors - lead to further flare-ups.

Commenting on local lock down measures, Mr Fell said “Thanks to our local NHS trust testing early and testing a lot, we have a good understanding of the level of infection here in Barrow and Furness.

"We were ahead of the curve, but I would not want us to have to be put under a local lockdown such as Leicester. Go out, get your hair cut and have a pint or a meal, but please stick to the rules for all of our sakes.”