Ashby area residents have been urged to treat next week's easing of Covid restrictions with caution as cases in North West Leicestershire have spiked sharply.

The region's figures had been going down as more people were being vaccinated.

But Bev Smith, the chief executive of North West Leicestershire District Council, says a 'significant rise' in the area means no-one can be complacent about Coronavirus ahead of Monday's 'Freedom Day' when many of the tight rulings around Covid will be relaxed.

And she said there was still a case for wearing face coverings in public areas.

She quoted figures from last week which showed North West Leicestershire rates were more than 500 for every 100,000 of the district's population.

"Cases in North West Leicestershire are significantly rising and we are second highest in the East Midlands with our rates in excess of 500 per 100,000," she tweeted.

"Please approach the easing of restrictions with caution and maintain your distance.

"Our communities in North West Leicestershire need to take a cautious approach to easing restrictions.

"Instead of asking why we need to wear face coverings, we should be asking ourselves 'Why Not?', if it helps keep our community safe."