Following reports that the R rate in the North West has increased above 1, a number of schools across Bolton have rightly announced this weekend that they will not be reopening tomorrow as planned.

Leader of Bolton Labour Group, Cllr Nick Peel said: “Bolton Labour issued a statement at the end of May sharing our serious concerns about the feasibility of primary schools being able to safely take in more pupils, following the Government announcement encouraging them to do so.

“The latest health data is now showing that in the NW of England, the Coronavirus is still continuing to spread and the ‘R’ rate has increased back to over 1. This is now leading to schools across Bolton changing their minds and closing their doors again.

“In the interests of the safety and welfare of children and staff, the Council needs to listen to parents concerns, change its approach and send a clear message to schools across the Borough that the Government advice to re-open was premature. It is safer for the Council to now advise schools not to reopen at this stage, except for vulnerable children and those of key workers.”