THE coronavirus infection rate in Newton-le-Willows has rocketed following a surge of new cases.

The infection rate for the whole of St Helens has continued to rise over the past week, although hospital admissions remain low.

Sue Forster, St Helens Borough Council’s director of public health, said on Tuesday the authority is “concerned” by the rise in positive test results.

READ > Conor McGinn MP calls for urgent coronavirus briefing amid infection rates rise

The council is yet to make any formal statement about a spike in specific areas.

However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the council has known about the spike in Newton since Monday.

Ward councillors were told today that the infection rate in Newton-le-Willows, up until this morning, had risen to 147.5, per 100,000 population.

This came after the housing association Torus contacted residents on Tuesday to warn them of an increase in coronavirus cases in Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown.

And this morning, The Kirkfield Hotel in Church Street, Newton, announced that it would remain closed until September 19 to allow staff to self-isolate as a further precaution.

The pub temporarily closed its doors on Saturday after learning some of its visitors had tested positive for coronavirus.

The Kirkfield said it had taken the decision with the owners of Verona Kitchen & Bar on Newton High Street, which will take the same action.

The statement, which was posted to The Kirkfield’s Facebook page, said that it has been working closely with Public Health England and St Helens Council.

St Helens Star: The Kirkfield, in Church Street, Newton, has closed for two weeks as a precautionary measure after two punters tested positive for coronavirusThe Kirkfield, in Church Street, Newton, has closed for two weeks as a precautionary measure after two punters tested positive for coronavirus

However, ward councillors were not informed of the situation by the council until today, where they were briefed in a meeting.

Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron, Labour councillor for Newton, attended today’s briefing, and said around half of the new cases are young people.

He said: “The huge rise in cases in Newton-le-Willows is worrying. And around 50 per cent of them are amongst people aged between 18 and mid 20s.

“The rate per 100,000 is currently much worse than a lot of surrounding areas.

“The largest spreader of the virus is thought to be around younger generations socialising in pubs.

“And whilst they may suffer the least, the real risk is spreading the virus amongst their house and through their relatives.”

Cllr Gomez-Aspron, who will be named deputy leader of the council later this month, has criticised the council’s communication of this latest spike, saying it “isn’t good enough”.

“When situations like this happen, the communication needs to improve; as residents found out about this via an email and text from Torus,” Cllr Gomez-Aspron said.

“And that isn’t good enough. I’ve asked that the council share their statistics and maps so that the public can see where these cases are located and see how fast it can spread. The council are learning as well with this.

“But we need to get better at communicating these ever changing issues and plans out.

“We need to get the balance right of social distancing, washing your hands, and supporting local businesses to keep them afloat.

“If we don’t, we risk a more local lockdown which can finish local businesses off.

“I trust the public to act responsibly and do the right thing. The virus is going nowhere. And we need to protect our families and vulnerable relatives.”

It is understood that St Helens North MP and Shadow Home Office Minister Conor McGinn has also been kept in the dark about the situation.

Earlier today he took to Twitter to request an “urgent briefing” from council and public health officials about the increase in infection rates in some parts of the borough, including Newton.

The Labour MP said the public need “faster and clearer communication and action from the authorities both nationally and locally.”

The council is expected to make a statement expected later today.