MP Jim McMahon has urged residents in his Oldham West and Royton constituency to continue sticking to the Covid restrictions and help get the virus under control.

In a Facebook post to constituents Mr McMahon has highlighted that there may be some hope that the rate of the infection in Oldham is flattening as the town reaches two-weeks post Boxing Day, but cautioned this with the reminder that the next week will be crucial in understanding how much the virus spread between Christmas and New Year.

Mr McMahon, who is also shadow secretary of state for transport, posted: “Please continue to follow the rules, and the spirit of the rules.

"I have continued to raise concern about compliance in supermarkets, local shops and takeaways, and this week have raised my concern of young people gathering in cars to socialise with people from other households, picking up takeaways while sit in dining is restricted.”

“The evidence of takeaway litter filled car parks and side roads near and around takeaways is clear, and it is important it is enforced as much as we would expect within premises.

“I should also say that although I fully appreciate how difficult times are for businesses, many takeaways have seen business increase during lockdown for obvious reasons, and frankly it wouldn't be too much to ask that they take a broader community responsibility and provide litter pickers around there premises and nearby side streets and car parks.”