Residents need to work together to return to Tier 1 coronavirus restrictions "as soon as possible", Buckinghamshire Council leader Martin Tett has said.

Cllr Tett said he was "disappointed" that the county had been put into Tier 2 because he had hoped the area would return to Tier 1 after lockdown.

That sentiment has also been shared by many of the county's MPs.

It comes as coronavirus cases in Buckinghamshire start to fall.

The latest data shows that the number of cases per 100,000 people in Buckinghamshire is now 125.7, having fallen from 161 the previous week.

But in a message to residents, the council leader said it is now down to everyone to "work together", follow Tier 2 rules and hopefully the county can return to Tier 1.

The Tier restrictions are going to be reviewed after 14 days.

Cllr Tett said: "Frankly, I am disappointed that we are now in Tier 2. I had hoped that we would return to Tier 1.

"However, the government is determined to continue to maintain the pressure to control this horrid virus.

"Each council area will be reviewed after 14 days to see if the Tier that they are in should change.

"I am determined that Buckinghamshire should set itself the objective of returning to Tier 1 as soon as possible.

"This goal is important, not just for our own personal freedoms but also to protect our businesses, economy and jobs.

"Therefore, it is really important that I ask you to observe the new rules and let’s work together across Buckinghamshire to reach Tier 1 as soon as possible."

In the seven days leading up to November 21, 684 Buckinghamshire residents tested positive for coronavirus, which represents a weekly rate of 125.7 cases per 100,000 residents.

This is a 23 per cent decrease compared to the week before.

This is how the case numbers are broken down:

  • 259 cases in the former Aylesbury Vale district area
  • 73 cases in the former Chiltern district area
  • 112 cases in the former South Bucks district area
  • 240 cases in the former Wycombe district area

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