BOURNEMOUTH West MP Conor Burns has said he "can't see any justification" for BCP not being in Tier 1 of the coronavirus restrictions following the second national lockdown.

Residents, businesses and councils are waiting to discover which of the three tiers they will be placed in from December 2.

The government is set to make an announcement on the restrictions for each local authority in England on Thursday, November 26.

Dorset MPs have told the Daily Echo this week that they have been lobbying for the county not to be placed in the stricter Tier 2 level having been in Tier 1 before lockdown at the start of November.

Mr Burns posted on Twitter on the evening of Wednesday, November 25, said: "Looking at our local data in Bournemouth and Dorset generally as well as the downward trend of infection I can't see any justification for Bournemouth not being in the lowest tier of restrictions.

"I have made my view very clear."

This message was welcomed and supported by BCP Council deputy leader and Conservative councillor Philip Broadhead.

He posted: "Very much agree. Thank you for working with us & your help in pushing behind the scenes.

"We’ve a job to control the virus but equally our businesses need supporting. Christmas time is vital for many of them.

"We’ve seen a 59 per cent drop in rates over last seven days in BCP Council area."

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said he had been highlighting to government the impact heightened restrictions would have on the hospitality industry,  while Poole MP Sir Robert Syms said he would not commit to supporting the Prime Minister's winter Covid plan until the tiers are revealed.

Michael Tomlinson MP, who represents Mid Dorset and North Poole, said he would also raise the case for Dorset and BCP being in Tier 1.