Pendle and Oldham residents warned of stricter lockdown within days

Two north west areas could be facing stricter lockdown measures as concern grows over an increase in coronavirus cases. Residents in Pendle, Lancashire, and Oldham, Greater Manchester, are already living under stricter rules than other parts of the country, after additional measures were brought in stopping them from meeting others at home from the end of July. Despite this, officials said Covid-19 rates have continued to increase and both areas were placed on the government’s watch list of 29 local authorities. Pendle is now recording the highest coronavirus rates in the country, with Oldham following closely behind, and Blackburn with Darwen in third place.