MP Suzanne Webb has said Stourbridge 'could not have avoided' moving into tier 3 due to the high infection rate across the Dudley borough.

The government's tiered Covid-19 response will return when the nationwide lockdown is lifted from December 2, plunging parts of the country back into local measures.

The MP said: "Stourbridge being included in Tier 3 is not the news I wanted or local retailers and the hospitality industry wanted but there is government support available, including £3,000-a-month cash grants to keep businesses afloat.

"My own view is Stourbridge could not have avoided the top tier following the lockdown considering the rates of infection in Dudley and in other parts of the West Midlands.

"I would like to thank everyone in Stourbridge for the hard work and sacrifice they are making to help save lives. It does make a difference.

"I know the vast majority of people stick to the rules, however hard the restrictions are, because it will protect their community.

"In the coming days, I will be asking ministers to make sure Stourbridge can come out of Tier 3 as soon as infection rates start to lessen

"I will also ask the government to look at prioritising any vaccine roll out, not only to the vulnerable and health workers, but also to high infection areas to help them cope as we move through this winter."