THE lifting of further lockdown restrictions will go ahead in Redditch next week despite the discovery of the South African Covid variant, according to MP Rachel Maclean.

From Monday (May 17), pubs and restaurants will be able to reopen indoors across the country and people will be allowed to mix indoors as two households or under the rule of six.

Earlier this week, Worcestershire County Council confirmed that cases of a South African variant of the virus was found in the town and urged people to get tested.

However, Rachel Maclean and Redditch Borough Council leader Matt Dormer have both said the situation will not impact on step three of the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

Redditch MP Rachel Maclean said: "The response from local communities has been brilliant.

"The more cases of the South African variant we find, the better chance we have at suppressing it.

"It’s also important to say there’s no question step 3 of the roadmap won’t be going ahead in Redditch on Monday. It will be. We all know the rules by now and hands, face, space and fresh air. Let’s stick to it and continue on the journey to normality."

A mobile testing unit has been set up at Abbey Stadium and home testing kits are being provided across the affected areas, which includes Webheath, Headless Cross and Southcrest. Testing is available to anyone who does not have symptoms.

Councillor Matt Dormer said: "Thank you to everyone for responding so quickly.

"The test centre is fully booked until Saturday. There's two weeks available after that.

"I urge people to get tested and get on it as quickly as they can. It's important not to panic - it's important to continue everything that we have been doing."