TWO areas of Barrow have weekly infection rates way above the average for the rest of the borough.

The latest data plotted on a map by Public Health England showed the Parkside and Ormsgill and Hindpool areas of Barrow had seven-day rolling Covid infection rates far exceeding anywhere else.

The statistics take in the number of cases recorded in the week up to January 1.

According to the data, 223 new cases were recorded in the Barrow borough, a 248 per cent increase on the previous week - giving the area of weekly infection rate of 332.6.

Some 39 new cases recorded in Parkside area gave a weekly rate of 591.6, a 254.4 increase on the previous week.

That was ahead of Ormsgill and Hindpool, which had a weekly rate of 570.4.

A total of 37 new cases marked 270 per cent increase on the previous week.

A 725 per cent rise in case numbers was recorded in Walney Island North, where 33 new cases gave the area a rolling rate of 489.5.

Ormsgill councillor expressed alarm and surprise of the high infection rate in his ward and urged people to follow the rules.

He said: "I'm surprised.

"Let's hope people see that see that and stick to the rules. I'm very concerned.

"People need to do what they're supposed do and not go out unless they have to so we can get those figures down."

He said the Government's approach to lockdown restrictions and deprivation could have been reasons behind the high infection rates.

"We shouldn't have had the tier system - it was like in out shake it all about.

"W know deprived areas have had problems with Covid in the past. I can see that as a possibility.

"The lockdown is all about keeping in and not going out so keep in and stay safe."

Data showed the Abbotsmead and Salthouse area of Barrow had the lowest infection rate in the borough on 146.6.

Ulverston had a rolling rate of 159.8, with a 550 per cent rise as a result of 13 new cases.