COUNCIL leaders have shared more detail on their request to government for more resources in fighting the surge in coronavirus cases.

The joint request, between Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC), Cheshire East (CE) and Warrington Borough councils was sent last week and at a meeting of a Covid-19 outbreak board CWAC's Chief Executive Andrew Lewis shed some more light on what was being asked for.

"We have been putting together a package of proposals with CEC and Warrington which is £45m of funding but establishes a more active approach to supporting the hospitality sector," the council chief outlined.

"£23m is just for the businesses most impacted by the regulations. This is a proposal from ourselves to government, so it is not yet accepted and we are putting the case to government alongside any restrictions which might impact on businesses."

This monetary figure provides additional clarity on the detailed, nine-page document, which also outlines "what is necessary to bring the outbreak under control".

That's according to CEC leader Cllr Sam Corcoran, speaking in a Twitter video message today (Thursday).

Cllr Corcoran said: "It was hoped to engage in a discussion with central government about how best to protect local residents.

"The government have tended to make announcements on Thursdays about new restrictions being imposed. I don't often quote the Prime Minister, but a stitch in time saves nine.

"And given the failure of the government to agree to the modest local measures we proposed in September, and a significant rise in Cheshire East since then, I will be listening carefully to the news today."

Cllr Corcoran was referencing the expected announcement of tougher restrictions on the north by Matt Hancock.