CASES of Covid-19 in some parts of Crewe have fallen to less than three in a week - but as the town centre reopens council chiefs have issued a warning.

Official government figures show that new cases of coronavirus infection are down to single figures across the town, although there are several areas with seven-day rates which are higher than the current rate for Cheshire East, which stands at 17.4 per 100,000 of population.

In Crewe North East the rolling rate was 61.6 with five Covid cases in the week up to April 14, while in Crewe Coppenhall and Underwood the rate was comparable, with six reported cases in the same time period.

There were three Covid cases in Leighton and Wistaston, but in Wistaston Green and Crewe Town, Gresty Road, Crewe North West, Sydney and Gatetway and Willaston numbers had dropped to low single figures such they are not made public because of data privacy issues.

There were 16 positive tests reported in the whole of Cheshire East yesterday (Monday), but over a seven-day period the numbers did rise by 22 last week, the first since the second phase of lockdown easing, to a total of 75.

While the overall low numbers chime with the easing of restrictions the reopening of retail and outdoor hospitality presents challenges.

While council economic chiefs have welcomed a new campaign, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, to boost the High Street, they stress shoppers and pub customers need to take particular care to ensure businesses do not fall foul of enforcement action.

The "Say 'hi' to the High Street" scheme aims to encourage residents to support local and shop safely, as well as informing people of the Covid-19 measures in place to protect them and the precautions they need to take in town centres.

Cheshire East Council Executive Director for Place Frank Jordan said: "It is fantastic news that our town centres have begun to open up again, but it is important that this is done in a safe way.

"Businesses have been working extremely hard to prepare for their reopening. But residents also have a hugely important role to play by wearing a face covering where necessary, including in shops, making sure they sanitise their hands and maintaining social distancing.

"By doing this, they can also relieve some of the pressure facing local businesses by not putting them in the position of having to turn people away or face possible enforcement action."

The campaign includes a series of videos on social media showcasing the borough's town centres, including Crewe.

The council chief added: "Since the outbreak of the pandemic, we know that people have had to rely more heavily on online shopping for things such as gifts and clothes.

"But it is more important than ever that we now support local and help businesses to get back on their feet. Our town centre shopping local offers a more personal experience that you cannot get online and there is no substitute for face to face interaction."